Medieval Warfare

the long version

Examines the wars between England, Scotland, and France between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, focusing on the successes of the English army and discussing important campaigns and prominent figures. Great Britain's story is punctuated by the glorious battles at Bannockburn, Crecy and Agincourt, and Shakespearean heroes like Edward III, Henry V, and Hotspur. History remembers this as an age of chivalry interwoven with mythic feats of bravery. Yet this is a period of war when three nations struggled against each other over 200 years bringing England to the brink of Civil War. Many historians have tackled the questions of why the wars between England, Scotland and France between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries occurred; few have had the expertise to explain how England came to dominate medieval warfare. Here the author, formerly the Major General of logistics for the British Army, uses his experience to recast how the small English forces were able to face down their enemies on so many fronts. Within the 116 years of conflict only a handful of battles were actually fought; instead the British army conducted a policy of raiding and sieges. Additionally, when two armies met, the famous English archers created havoc on the field, and battles were won or lost by hand to hand fighting. This work is revelatory about the role of war in creating Great Britain.