Duke William Issues Battle Orders
William sat on his
war-horse, and called out Rogier, whom they call De Montgomeri
and said:
"I rely much on
you,' said he; 'lead your men thitherward and attack them
from that side.William, the son of Osbern the seneschal, a
right good vassal, shall go with you and help in the attack,
and you shall have the men of Boilogne and Poix and all my
soldiers. Alain Fergert and Ameri shall attack on the other
side; they shall lead the Poitevins and the Bretons and all
the barons of Maine; and I, with my own great men, my
friends and kindred, will fight in the middle throng, where
the battle shall be the hottest."
The barons and
knights and men-at-arms were all now armed; the foot-soldiers
were well equipped, each bearing bow and sword; on their heads
were caps, and to their feet were bound buskins (a foot and
leg covering reaching halfway to the knee, resembling a laced
half boot). Some had good hides which they had bound round
their bodies; and many were clad in frocks, and had quivers
and bows hung to their girdles.
The knights had
hauberks and swords, boots of steel, and shining helmets;
shields at their necks, and in their hands lances.
And all had their cognizances (a crest or badge worn to
distinguish the bearer) so that each might know his fellow,
and Norman might not strike Norman, nor Frenchman kill his
countryman by mistake. Those on foot led the way, with serried
ranks, bearing their bows. The knights rode next, supporting
the archers from behind. Thus both horse and foot kept their
course and order of march as they began, in close ranks at a
gentle pace, that the one might not pass or separate from the
other. All went firmly and compactly, bearing themselves
gallantly.
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