Where did Medieval Generals stand during battle?
Did Medieval Generals stand in the front or the back during battles? It seems to me that since generals are generally tacticians and people that would best be served commanding in the back, they wouldn't be standing in the front where they would get oh I dunno, killed? But an acquaintance of mine says that they were in the front for "morale".
Update:To mcq - Yeah, but what if they die? Who's going to command where the army will strike and coordinate the battles?
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Depends on the general. Some fought some just commanded. There is a saying that a General who draws his sword is just another soldier. Battles fought during medieval times tended to have fewer troops involved than battles from earlier periods. This allowed many to command from the front. You will find that the larger the force the further back the General usually commands from.
The title and position general did not always mean "tactician" .
They lead from the front
Right out front, leading the charge. Thats how wars SHOULD be fought.
At the FRONT of the ranks.
from the middle back