He also has a snapsack with all his belongings and rations and a short sword called a tuck carried on his oxford army girdle and hanger. This sword would be use in close quarter combat, hacking at the enemy rather than parrying and thrusting.
The Pikemans first weapon is the Pike. 16 to 18 feet long of ash, tipped with a steel point and langets running down the side , to prevent enemy cavalry lopping off the end and rendering the pike useless.
This Pikemans armour has been russeted with urine to create a protective coating of rust. He has discarded his tasset which were used to protect his upper thighs which often on the march hinder his process. Some armour was painted in whatever colour was available to also prevent rusting.
Pikemen were drilled to protect the musketeers from enemy pike, musketeers and cavalry while they reloaded. Although they did confront enemy pikemen at "push of pike", where the pikeman in close ranks and files would thrust and push against opposing pike aiming for the face and throat.
© Copyright 1998-2007 Sir John Owens Regiment of Foote.
