11-19-2004, 11:22 PM
Greetings dear Sir,<br>
<br>
I do agree with your words concerning the companions on their superb training and their very good armor. Also, yes the Germanic mercenary cavalry were more numerous.<br>
However, in every battle that was fought by Alexander, the companions were allways under strength, with the exception of Chaeronea.<br>
Numbers meen little if your opponent uses speed and much violence very effectivelly. Alexander's companions were masters of the shock tactic. The German cavalry were very formidable warriors but were not disciplined troops.<br>
In the end, one would rather have disciplined troops fighting in unison than numerous warriors fighting like individuals.<br>
<br>
<br>
"Always attack. Even in defence, attack. The attacking arm possesses the initiative and thus commands the action. To attack makes men brave; to defend makes them timorous. If I learn that an officer of mine has assumed a defensive posture in the field, that officer will never hold command under me again" Alexander to Ptolemy, at Ephesus<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
<br>
I do agree with your words concerning the companions on their superb training and their very good armor. Also, yes the Germanic mercenary cavalry were more numerous.<br>
However, in every battle that was fought by Alexander, the companions were allways under strength, with the exception of Chaeronea.<br>
Numbers meen little if your opponent uses speed and much violence very effectivelly. Alexander's companions were masters of the shock tactic. The German cavalry were very formidable warriors but were not disciplined troops.<br>
In the end, one would rather have disciplined troops fighting in unison than numerous warriors fighting like individuals.<br>
<br>
<br>
"Always attack. Even in defence, attack. The attacking arm possesses the initiative and thus commands the action. To attack makes men brave; to defend makes them timorous. If I learn that an officer of mine has assumed a defensive posture in the field, that officer will never hold command under me again" Alexander to Ptolemy, at Ephesus<br>
<br>
<p></p><i></i>
