The Battle of Hastings 1066 by John Grehan & Martin Mace

Author:John Grehan & Martin Mace
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781781599846
Publisher: Pen and Sword

The military detail in this passage is of great interest. The duke's purpose is, seemingly, to check the enemy's further advance, so that he may anticipate the seizure of the hill – causing panic with his missiles, notably his bolts while the enemy is in the act of concentration upon Caldbec. Since the range of these weapons was not great, it would be necessary for the foot to advance beyond the lower hill to achieve this. They would then fall back on that position, the duke in the meantime having brought up the knights in support. The text may, however, be construed to mean that only balistantes [cross-bowmen] in the centre were to retire, opening a way for the knights to press home the attack … The duke's presumed objective, in this case, would have been to carry Caldbec Hill, pushing the English back in disorder from the high ground and so assuring himself freedom of manoeuvre.13

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