Fighting within a Great Helm

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A happy coincidence is Jason Kingsley's latest posting on YouTube of his experiment with the proto-great helm. This constitutes another valuable piece of experimental analysis  in broadening our understanding of armour in the high middle ages.


A take-away for me is an appreciation of how mounted commanders of foot soldiers are more likely to have been armoured. Leading a body of spearmen (for example) a commander has an advantage on horse back - to gain a greater view and appreciation of the tactical environment from the height advantage. The soldiers would be looking to the leader for commands and direction and he is more easily seen - his gestures and voice being elevated above the ranks.

Conversely, a commander of foot cannot see nearly as well from behind or within a great helm. He also cannot hear or be heard as well. The sensory deprivation and impact on communication seems likely to me to have seen adoption of a great helm in this role as a last resort under extreme circumstances.

I won't be retro-fitting my units but from here on, my mounted commanders of foot will be in open helmets.

Comments

Aly Morrison said…
That’s an excellent and informative video Greg…
I shall watch more of Jason Kingsley’s work.

All the best Aly
December 31, 2021 at 5:04 AM
Unlucky General said…
Thanks Aly. You can't go far wrong with watching his posts.
December 31, 2021 at 3:49 PM
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