Stuart

Warfare

The Civil War, between the armies of King Charles I and his Parliament, was the last occasion when men wore metal armour into battle. Its weight hampered movement and it provided little protection against cannon fire. By the end of the war, those who could afford it, wore just enough to protect the head and chest.

Handguns and muskets (a long, barrelled gun) were used effectively in battles - although both were still likely to explode in their owner's face!

The cavalry (men on horses) now tended to fight on horseback rather than gallop up to the enemy, leap off, and fight on the ground.

Oliver Cromwell laid the foundations of drilling and military discipline with his New Model Army, which led to the British fielding a formidable fighting force in Europe during the next century.

When Charles II was restored, in 1660, a standing (full-time army) was created for the first time. The russet coats of Cromwell's army developed into the 'red coats', nickname of the British army until late Victorian times.

Which weapon shown in the picture was used in battle from Norman times until the First World War.

Click the picture for an answer