turning to face flank attack

[simmo]

Sorry to ask such a basic question, but until last nights game I had thought the rules said

'if two elements are contacted then the second element moves behind the first.' But I can't see this.

Anyhow on to my question

A column of three LH were contacted on their flank again by a LH element. The main contact was on the leading element but the flank of the second element was also contacted. Do the contacted elements turn to face the attacking LH by the second moving behind the leading element (As the example using pikes seems to show on page 58 figure 12d/e). Or do they both just turn, the second forming an overlap on the attacking LH and pushing the third LH in the column back slightly to make room to do so?
 
Thanks
 
 Martyn

[landmeister]

The attacking elements must first line up legally to the flank ofe the enemy most contacted. Then both contacted elements must turn to fight. The second one behind the first. No overlap is possible in this case.

I hope it helps

[simmo]

Thanks,
This is what I thought...but it would have useful to see the words 'the second one behind the first' instead of also turn...to convince my opponent....Ho Hum

[landmeister]

Page 35. Third para.

If an element's front edge contacts the flanks of 2 or more elements and that in front turns to face, the second and subsequent elements also turn unless already in contact on their rear edge.