Hmm,
I'm not exactly sure that the dwarves would do all they could to avoid battle on an open field if it suited them. I've alikened the dwarves to an infantry heavy army much like that of Imperial Rome. Heavy shields and armour coupled with great weapon skills and excellent training should prove to be quite a powerful addition to the dwarven battle compliment.
I can't quite remember who it was exactly, but the Prussian military -- heck, it might have been Clausewitz himself -- who espoused a strategy revolving around logistics, communication and intelligence rather than specific tactics and army components. For them, the important part was getting the army itself to the battlefield intact and battle-ready and the rest was merely surveying the field and capitalizing on any opportunities that presented themselves.
Rather than battleaxes, I'd see the dwarven army adopting a more Roman soldier -- heavy armour, large shield, javelin/pila, and short sword. It sort of makes sense, too; if dwarves spent a large portion of their time underground, would they use weapons like axes in such cramped quarters?
- Rep.
