| A pikeman holding his pike at charge. The heel of the pike is grounded and held against the right (back) foot. The point of the pike is at the right height to deter horses nad riders from pressing into the formation. When a squadron of cavalry bore down on the infantry the pike block would form up at charge in front of the musketeers to protect them whilst they reloaded. The length of the pike would keep the horsemen well awy from striking distance with sword. The only effective attack against such a formation would be the horsemen's pistols, or carbines (short muskets). If necessary the musketeers could fire from behind the shield of pikes. |
Scone Palace, Perth Scotland 1997