[Gandalf Parker]

The problem is the basic recognition of commander vs militia. Telling a commander to retreat means an orderly withdrawal to a location keeping all together as you go. Telling the units themselves to flee means mindlessly fleeing the battlefield every-man-for-himself.

Have you tried using them as decoys? set some small cheap flak units to flee up the middle of a gauntlet of your best warriors. Set those to Hold and Attack closest which saves them running up in armor and getting all fatigued before they strike a blow.