Bosworth armies

[nikgaukroger]

There is an interesting and well argued piece in the latest Slingshot about the French troops at Bosworth by Duncan Head. He makes a good case for the French not being pikemen but being archers and halberdiers.

In fact he suggests there is more evidence of Richard having pikemen - and he did use them in the Scottish campaign in 1482.

He also notes there is very little evidence for handguns/arquebus at the battle - again the evidence being for Richard.

Worth a read.

[lionheartrjc]

First - I would recommend anyone who is interested in Ancient and Medieval Military History should join the Society of Ancients (www.soa.org.uk).

The piece is indeed well argued, and my view is now that the Early Tudor English army should provide the option of  the 8-16 French pikemen to be replaced by Halberdiers only - Drilled Close, Average, Protected, Polearm 6,8.  I propose adding this to the errata.

Richard

[nikgaukroger]

Sounds good 

[Simon Meg-Meister]

Excellent.  Look forward to my copy landing.

AND YES IF YOU ARE ON THIS FORUM YOUR SHOULD BE A MEMBER.  SIGN UP NOW?