According to military strategists, the best course of action during battle is often to withdraw to fight another day. Indeed, claiming a victory is sometimes to know when to retreat. A retreat is a tactical strategy and does not equate to surrendering. However, not all retreats are successful. History has recorded some truly disastrous military withdrawals, when fighting on the back foot, often in harsh conditions, has all but decimated an army. However, when undertaken correctly, a retreat can allow forces to regroup and come back stronger.
Click on and march through this gallery of famous military retreats.