Attacking Backwards Edit Meaning

1.

Nowadays, used to comically describe a retreat in online battle games.

However, in the past, many different forces such as the Mongol Horde, Napoleon's Grande Armee, Rommel's Afrikan Corps, Darius' Immortal Spada and so on...used this tactic to draw out enemy forces, discourage them from chase while escaping from enemy strength, divert attention away from other attacks moving forwards and/or to simply remaneuver around the battlefield.

Confederate cavalry under Colonel J.E.B. Stuart retreated to escape the clutches of Captain Carter's (Union)regiment and to allow berth for Stonewall Jackson's advance in the Battle of 1st Manassas.