Melee: How many can fight?

Q: Assume that units A and B are sword-armed. How many figures can fight? Now say that each side inflicts 2 casualties on the other and the melee continues. I ruled that the same number would fight because other troops moved in to fill the gaps of their fallen comrades. Correct?

A: I have outlined your example for side A in RED, who fight rank ann a half, which is 16 figures. In TAN I have outlined side B, who also fights rank and a half, which is 12 figures. So both sides fight all the front rank and half the back rank. The RED LINE shows where A's fifth stand of figures should be placed to be counted in melee. Your diagram showed them hanging back. So this fifth stand counts as an overlap. Correct, the rear ranks fill in the gaps, but reduce each unit's rear rank by 2 due to casualties. Next round, A counts 15 figures and B counts 11 figures.