Battles of the late Third Age

[Rumil]

Aha that put a smile on my face!

Nice reference by Saurreg to descriptions of Nuemenorean heavy infantry tactics, though, of course they appear to have declined somewhat by the end of the third age.

On full plate armour, I think its not so applicable to Middle Earth, but anyway. As Kuruharan points out, plate armour of the 14th to early 15th centuries could be penetrated with comparative ease by arrows from experienced longbowmen. However, by the end of the 15th century, advances in metal working had led to the introduction of specially hardened 'blue-steel' armour, which was far more difficult to pierce with longbow arrows. This, however, was incredibly expensive stuff at the time and probably limited to only the richest knights. I believe that in one battle (name escapes me!) towards the end of the Hundred Years War, English longbowmen were comprehensively ridden over by Genoese mercenary knights equipped in this new high-tech gear.

Of course, soon enough the improved plate was being defeated by gunpowder weapons.

I don't think this sort (or maybe any sort?) of plate armour is relevant to the late Third Age period, though I seem to remember Elrond commenting on armour of ancient times, perhaps the Noldor had the trick of making it after hints and tips from Aule? Could explain some of their prowess in the First Age battles?

I don't particularly want to be drawn into any arguments about which troops or equipment were 'best' as these things generally depend on the circumstances. Perhaps Neurion's 'weapons and armour' thread would be more appropriate for this sort of thing?

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Rumil

I don't particularly want to be drawn into any arguments about which troops or equipment were 'best' as these things generally depend on the circumstances. Perhaps Neurion's 'weapons and armour' thread would be more appropriate for this sort of thing?

Oh crap. Sorry.

[Kuruharan]

Perhaps you and I should continue this discussion via PMs...

[Neurion]

I highly doubt Kuru's hypothesis that mounted archers would have made up the bulk of an Eored. In RotK, Tolkien's references are quite clearly on lancers, e.g. "More skilled was their Knighthood with long spears and bitter", Theoden shattering his lance against the Haradhrim chieftain, etc.

[Kuruharan]

I highly doubt Kuru's hypothesis that mounted archers would have made up the bulk of an Eored.

I don't recall saying that...

...but let me go quote myself.

However, if the Rohirrim would go all out for horse archers that would change the situation a bit.

There it is. I said "would" as in something they could have done but did not.

I did not mean to imply I thought the Rohirrim were primarily horse archers.

[Neurion]

Originally Posted by Kuruharan

I don't recall saying that...

...but let me go quote myself.

There it is. I said "would" as in something they could have done but did not.

I did not mean to imply I thought the Rohirrim were primarily horse archers.

Right. My mistake.

AS I have said before though, to me, the Rohirrim seem most reminiscient of the Carolingians in battle.

[Saurreg]

Hi, I'm back.

It is a pity that we can discuss very little on the organisation and tactics of Saruman's army since the Battle of the Fords revolved around the Rohirrim. But from some paragraphs we know these;

1) The network of anti-horse ditches and trenches in the narrow defile leading to Isengard. Proof of rudimentary knowledge and presence of military engineering?

2) Phalangites of lesser men were used against Theodred and his horsemen. Presence of heavy infantry?

3) Uruks able to best Rohirrim cavalry in motion. I have no idea how to make this out.

4) The army crossing the Isen upstream from the eyot and hence avoiding a head on collision with Theodred and his defenders. Proof of knowledge in maneuver warfare?