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Long Bow Accuracy

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PatM:
Too many guys have read about spine and arrow weight these days.  Things would have been one size fits all back in the day.
 I'm sure the archers carried one bag of arrows with them, that's just common sense.

Del the cat:
A question, if you were leaning a platoon or army through enemy territory would you make sure your only weapons cabaple of acting at range were able to be used in case of ambush/surprise attack?
I think the concept of a load of archers marching with nary an arrow between 'em is bizarre.
An army on the march would probably stretch for a good long distance (maybe a mile or more? Especially if marching down a cart track) do you want to be a mile from your arrows? I certainly would want some arrows by my side and my bow in my hand (maybe even braced, only to be unstrung at night).
Of course for a set piece battle the wagon loads of arrows would be there for re-supply, probably by young lads, same as how powder monkeys were used on ship.
Del

Del the cat:

--- Quote from: PatM on October 03, 2014, 10:21:59 pm ---Too many guys have read about spine and arrow weight these days.  Things would have been one size fits all back in the day.
 I'm sure the archers carried one bag of arrows with them, that's just common sense.

--- End quote ---
Yeah, with those big bows, the only spine requirement is enough so it doesn't explode :laugh:. mate of mine had one explode on him, the nock blew out despite the horn reinforcement. He had an impressive bruise on his chest to show for it.
Del

WillS:
Maybe there were two types.  Perhaps there were guys on the column flanks equipped with lighter bows and a set of arrows.

When you look at the Mary Rose, the bows were mainly stored in chests, as were the arrows.  If they were stored away when the ship sank (which was during conflict) it's likely the bows /arrows were also stored away on marches.  I think it's easy to get romantic and imagine all these archers with their own bows and arrows, but it was government issue stuff.  The bows were kept in waxed cases, the arrows in linen bags tied at both ends.

I'm not aware of any artwork depicting archers at war carrying their own arrows.  There's one that shows huge wicker bags on belts, but it looks ungainly, impracticable and awkward. 

I don't think you'd ever be as much as a mile from the equipment either - lots of supply carts carrying weapons scattered through out the lines.  If each company of archers had its own cart and runners, getting to equipment would be quick and easy.

Del the cat:
Errr, I don't think they were marching in a two mile column on the Mary Rose.
And the fact that they were in boxes, merely proves the point, they are no good for warfare whilst in a box!
The Mary Rose was engaged with the French at the time it sunk, maybe the bows were to be used on land or elswhere, it doesn't appear they were being actively used onboard ship. Presumably cannon range exceeded bow range, and I wouldn't think bows were that suitable for ship to ship fighting... I dunno.
I quite like your theory of archers on the flanks, but conversely making each man carry and be responsible for his own kit guarantees they are all equipped an ready for action.
Del

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