Scottish Resistance Against the English: Beyond Numbers

The historical narrative of Scottish resistance against the English often centers on the quantitative disparity between the two forces. However, the outcomes of many battles suggest that factors other than mere numbers played pivotal roles. From the strategic choices and military innovations of Scottish leaders to the unique blend of fighting spirit, skill, and local knowledge, the Scottish resistance was more resilient and effective than the numerical odds suggest.

Behavior Under Twisted Circumstances

Despite occasional outnumbering of Scottish forces, the English still emerged victorious in a majority of the battles. At Dupplin Moor, the Scottish forces were outnumbered 10:1, yet the English gained the upper hand. Similarly, at Solway Moss, the numbers stacked against the Scots even more dramatically, with a ratio of 20:1. However, these numerical disadvantages did not always prevent Scottish victories. A common reason for the English triumph was often when the English found themselves engaged in multiple fronts, such as being under attack from the French, thereby diluting their combat strength. This layout gave the Scottish an opportunity to leverage their strategic acumen and local knowledge to offset the disparity in manpower.

The Battle of Bannockburn: A Study in Leadership

When discussing the Scottish victory, a particularly significant battle that comes to mind is Bannockburn. Here, it’s important to clarify that the English defeat was primarily due to poor leadership. Instead of a numerical disadvantage, the issue was poor strategy and failure to capitalize on the situation. Historically, the ruler of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, adopted a guerrilla warfare approach after the initial pitched battles against the numerically superior English. This strategy involved elusive hit-and-run tactics and hit hard but decisively at selected points, rendering the English forces ineffective and spread out.

The Shift From Guerrilla to Conventional Warfare

Robert Bruce’s tactical shift towards conventional warfare marked a significant turning point. Recognizing the limitations of guerrilla tactics, he aimed to engage in decisive battles that could tilt the scales in favor of the Scots. To counter the heavily armored English knights, Bruce developed a new tactical formation known as the schiltron. This was a large block of infantry soldiers, each armed with long wooden pikes, arranged in a tight, dense formation. Such a formation provided a formidable defense against cavalry charges, making the schiltron a highly effective counter against the English horsemen.

The success of the schiltron relied heavily on disciplined teamwork, synchronized movements, and a suitable battlefield. Bruce meticulously trained his soldiers to adapt to these new formations and selected carefully chosen battlefields that allowed the schiltron to excel. A notable instance was the Battle of Bannockburn, where Bruce strategically positioned his army at a location near a forded river. Here, the terrain mechanically limited the English reinforcements, creating a bottleneck that allowed the Scots to deliver a coordinated and decisive attack. The outcome was a resounding victory over the heavily outnumbered English.

Success Beyond Numbers

Despite the disparity in numbers, the Scottish resistance showcased remarkable resilience and strategic brilliance. Courage, bravery, and institutional combat strategies, rather than sheer numbers, played a far more critical role. An apt example can be drawn from the American Civil War when a small, poorly equipped force of Confederates defeated a numerically superior Union army equipped with inferior firearms. This victory underscored that individual bravery, tactical innovation, and adaptability can often trump overwhelming numbers.

Conclusion

While the numerical superiority of the English was evident in several battles, historical outcomes suggest that strategy, leadership, and innovative tactics were key factors in the Scottish resistance. From adopting guerrilla tactics to the development of the schiltron, the Scots managed to neutralize the numerical advantage of their adversaries and secure victories. This highlights the importance of a flexible and dynamic approach to warfare, emphasizing the critical roles that tactical ingenuity can play in overcoming traditional numerical disadvantages.