Infantry square to support artillery

All,

In playing this past Sunday, I had my artillery hammered by cavalry charges. I thought that I had squares close enough to offer support, but I did not.

What is support for artillery to benefit from nearby infantry in square? Should the square encompass parts of the artillery? Should I be within x distance (if I can even judge a small of a distance)?

Thanks,
Tom W

I usually put squares on either side of the artillery, but advance them so they are ~100 yd. past the gun line. The cavalry then seems to focus its attention on the infantry and not the arty.

That's exactly what I do, about 50yds ahead. I deploy the battery first, then place a column of divisions at each end of it, about 25 yards to the flanks. I then march it forwards using the advance 50yds button, then form square, then rotate it 45deg so a point is facing the enemy. If your end guns don't seem to be firing their LOS may be blocked. In that case I shift the offending battalion away using the unit sidestep left or right button as applicable.

Sometimes I park a third battalion in column right behind the limber line and offer it forwards in square 25 yds if cavalry get really close.

Two batteries in line with three battalions forward and a 4th in back to rush to a threatened point can be an unbeatable formation.

The problem with this system is it can use up a whole brigade and if in my case you like to keep a second brigade back in reserve your whole division can be occupied just seeing off a cavalry attack.

Thanks guys!