observer Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Watched a prog on UK History (yes they're putting some history progs on now!); about Alexander the Great and the defining battle of Gaugemela. Have to say, he was an inovator who led from the front and never lossed a battle, probably a good candidate for the number one spot? At Gaugemela, Alexander's Army of around 50,000 was outnumbered by five to one; the Persian line stretched for 2.5miles. Interesting, that such history is still taught at Sandhurst and West Point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonymaillman Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 ALL good leaders led from the front and WERE actually at the front as well !! it's only over the last few centuries that 'so called' leaders have become 'stay at home' cowards giving the orders ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Could be argued that "the Leader" shouldn't expose himself, for if slain, this could affect the morale of the troops. Alexander's tactic indeed, was to head for the enemy leader, to cut off the head of the snake; as did many commanders in historic battles. Always considered Hannibal as one of the greats, although as his luitenant (Marhabal) said; "he knew how to win a battle, but not how to use the victory". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonymaillman Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Nobody knows what the morale of troops would have been like centuries ago, although nobody could dispute the morale of Viking 'berserkers' .......... Agincourt was a classic example of 'rock bottom' morale for the footsoldiers and archers, especially by the time the actual battle itself came around. Luckily the mud helped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted May 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 and the military arrogance of French Knights charging into a killing zone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonymaillman Posted May 10, 2008 Report Share Posted May 10, 2008 The French ? arrogant ?? whatever gave you that idea ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted May 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2008 As the "berserkers" were basically head cases, perhaps morale doesn't really come into it?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonymaillman Posted May 10, 2008 Report Share Posted May 10, 2008 Exactly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted May 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2008 Given we seem to have plenty of psycopaths nowadays; might be an idea to create a "berserk" Regiment in the Army; and let them loose in Kabul?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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