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| Art by TL Jeffcoat |
I’m
going to discuss a couple things about the Hussites today. The main focus is
the Hand-Cannon, but I want to start with the War Wagon, also known as a
Wagenburg. These things are pretty straight forward and are the primary reason
the Hand Cannons were so successful. It’s a wagon with a big wooden box on it.
Holes are cut out so the crossbowmen and gunners could poke their weapons out
and shoot the charging enemies. The Hussites would ride these wagons close to
the where the enemy was setting up camp or marching and then would form circles
or squares with several wagons. They tied the wheels together with chains and
then placed shields and pikemen behind the chains to keep anyone from trying to
charge through. If anyone was foolish enough to barge through these openings,
they would probably have their head caved in by the flail wielding farmers
waiting to begin the counter attack.
Counterattack?
Yes, the Hussites weren’t the typical army of the 1400’s. They weren’t trained
soldiers and they weren’t led into battle by a king. They did have an amazing
general, who used tactics he possibly learned while fighting with the Tartars.
It didn’t hurt to also have some of the best gunsmiths in Europe as part of the
movement. Once their enemies attempted to flee, the Hussites would charge out
into the field using cavalry to flank the fleeing soldiers and the men with
flails and pikes to kill everyone trapped. The Hussites weren’t known for
taking prisoners. This is pretty much how the first Crusade against them ended.
