[Dion]

Another idea when moving through a town or forest would be to move your entire force slowly though the area, preferably all in one hex, moving one hex per turn, so that when you encounter enemy troops your troops will be able to spread out at a fast pace, covering a lot of ground, moving as quickly as possible and easily supporting each other. In-fact moving this way works so good you'll win most firefights and you will be able to keep moving because the firefights will be at close range, lasting for only a short amount of time.

On the other hand you could simply use artillery to blast a path through the area. The only thing is you have to remember that if you use all your artillery you won't have it later in the game, plus artillery has the habit of starting fires and your troops will instinctively take cover from the noise and falling debris.