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Lafayette C Curtis
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 Posted: Wed 28 Mar, 2007 9:01 am Post subject: Re: LOL |
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| Jack Yang wrote: | | They used swords to chop firewood? LOL why didn't the queen just arm her soldiers with axes instead? |
This was an abuse, not a method of use desired by the generals. Swords became much more widespread among common soldiers in the 15th century, and especially from the 16th century onwards--I believe mostly because the sword was (and is) a prestige weapon, and the common soldier wished to show off his status by the ownership of a weapon that left no doubts about its purpose. Unlike men-at-arms raised from among the gentry, these commoners were not always brought up by their parents and mentors to revere their swords and take good care of them, hence the occurence of incidents described in Monck's memoirs.
Hugh has already explained that Monck is an English Civil War (1641-1649) general--a time when England had a King instead of a Queen. Some of his more general remarks like these might have been applicable to the earlier Elizabethan era, though.
BTW, if you want to find out about polearms, browse the Features and the members' Collections sections. The articles and collection listings there will tell you more than anything I can say in a brief Web post.
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This is a standard topic
