Why, why, WHYYYY?

[hoplitis]

Battle, scenario, campaign, or PBEM?
Any Rally hex set, maybe?
With infantry units the retreat routine may indeed make them retreat in an "other direction" if they're flanked etc("least threat"?). I've seen that. I can't remember observing any armor retreating "forward". But I wouldn't be that suprised if it did! I don't know if the retreat priorities differ radically for armor when compared to those for infantry (there is the armor unit facing issue that might make a difference). Maybe its just the unit speed that makes the armor retreat more dramatic. A retreating infantry unit will move ~2-3 hexes, a modern armor unit ~10-13 hexes (flat & clear terrain).

[Wdll]

PBEM. Is it possible to check the rally hex during the battle?

The units were not flanked and their rear was safe. The enemy forces were 1-4 hexes to the west. My forces going from east to west.

I fail to understand what the speed of the units have to do with the retreat path.