The 1st Maryland are one of the earliest guard units available to the US. They single-handedly covered the American retreat, holding off superior numbers of the British regulars. They took part in the battle of Guilford Courthouse, but it was at the battle of Long Island that they earned their formidable reputation.
In July 1776 the were assigned to the main continental army and in the months that followed they joined Stirling's Brigade. Historically the 1st Maryland regiment was raised to protect the province of Maryland and came under the command of Colonel William Smallwood. The ability to fire and reload with machine-like regularity with shot and bullet flying and comrades falling all around is what wins battles. These are inaccurate weapons, effective only over 200 paces or so and when fired in massed volleys. These soldiers carry muzzle-loading, smooth-bore muskets firing lead balls as wide as a man’s thumb. Indeed, over time the capabilities of line infantry should improve as new tactics, drill and weaponry are developed.
They are so called because they form the line of battle, not because they always deploy in lines. “Marching regiments” or “line battalions” make up the majority of units in European-style armies. It is available with the Elite Units of America DLC.Įlite infantrymen responsible for holding the line, these versatile troopsĪre equally at home with muskets or bayonets. The 1st Maryland is a line infantry regiment in Empire: Total War.