Tactics Flashcards
Why did William’s preparation mean he could use effective tactics?
He employed cavalry, trained knights and archers so could use offensive tactics
How did William deploy his forces?
In 3 lines with archers at the front and knights on destriers at the rear
Why did William place archers at the front?
To fire at the Saxons
Why were the cavalry at the back?
To overpower the Saxons and break the shield wall
What did preparedness determine about the tactics used?
Their effectiveness
Why were the Normans able to perform highly skilled tactics like the feigned retreat?
Due to their preparation
What did the feigned retreat weaken?
Shield wall
Why could the Normans perform the feigned retreat?
They had practised their manoeuvres for many years
Due to Harold’s lack of preparation, what was his army mostly made up of?
Infantry and fyrd
Why were Harold’s tactics defensive?
Lack of profesional soldiers and mercenaries
What did Harold’s lack of preparation mean he resorted to?
The shield wall or war hedge
Why did Harold resort to the shield war?
To hold out until reinforcements arrived
Why did the shield wall prove unsuccessful?
The preparedness of the Normans and the unpreparedness of the Saxons which caused gaps to appear
