Quote: |
Huscarls held on their own by using exclusively axes in the centre? But still its hard to imagine in that context: they would be unshielded, packed together to resist cavalry charge, even if horses wouldnt push into them, riders could still ride paralel to them stabbing at them with their lances, or throwing javelins and if they managed to get among them, axes seem to be pretty useless from such a close range, especially for huge, sweeping cuts. How would they cause big casualties to norman riders, without suffering at least the same, or more, speaking about close combat? |
There are illustrations of Huscarls with their shields slung behind them, using an axe.
My thoughts - The Huscarls held up their shields, threw javelins, and when the Norman closed they slung the shild behind and used axes.
The axe also does not need such huge sweeping cuts to be used sucessfully - short chops would work well, even a thrust in the face with the haft could put someone out of comission.