DBA Armies

This list covers the Swiss armies from the revolt of Schwyz, Unterwalden, Uri and Lucerne against Count Rudolf of Hapsburg in 1240 and continues until the introduction of large numbers of pikes to replace halberds around 1400 AD. An overall commander was sometimes elected by the Confederate Council, but more often command was vested in a council of war in which no one was supreme. This is therefore an army that has a general’s element but no general figure! The halberd was by far the most common weapon, but axes, two-handed swords and even spears were also used. The standard tactic was a rapid rush in deep formation with crossbowmen skirmishing ahead. The “enfants perdus” used by Berne at Laupen in 1339 were not a success, disordering the halberdiers on fleeing. References: Armies of the Middle Ages Vol 11. Heath, Slingshot 245.