Posts: 1,248 Location: New Mexico
Tue 05 Jul, 2022 8:24 am
As far as Irish darts go, I recently came across a fascinating source: Jean Creton's work (Harley MS 1319 at the British Library) that describes his trip to Ireland with English forces under Richard II. According to an 18th-century
translation by George Earl of Totness, Creton wrote that no coat of mail was proof against Irish darts, which pierced both sides. Totness's translation isn't clear on whether these darts that pierced mail were thrown from horseback or on foot; the text suggests Irish warriors used their darts in both circumstances. Creton provided a picture of mounted Irish warriors with long darts. These darts/javelins don't have broad heads.
Overall evidence indicates that even lighter darts/javelins can potentially hit harder than at least simple warbows when thrown at a run, & that heavier javelins/spears might hit harder when thrown with only a step or a few steps.
One curious example of troops who threw spears comes from
17th-century China:
Quote: |
By Ming-Qing transition period however, Chi Jiao Bing underwent significant changes to their tactics and became primarily spear-throwers. They carried a cotton blanket in one hand, and dragged a broad-handled long spear by the spearhead in the other. During battle, Chi Jiao Bing would throw their spears at their enemy while advancing quickly, picking up any spears that missed to throw again. Those with cotton blankets used them to shield against enemy arrows and even arquebus shots, while those without blanket simply went to ground immediately as soon as they saw gun smoke, then charge again after the salvo. Once they reached enemy line, they would drop their blankets and use their spears in close combat normally. |
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