The Strategy and Tactics of the Scottish Armies 1296-1314

Ewan J. Innes, MA(Hons Scot. Hist.) FSA Scot

© 1989

Synopsis:  This essay describes the strategy and tactics used by the commanders of the Scottish armies during the period 1296 to 1314.

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Chapter I

The beginning of war:- Berwick to Dunbar

The Scots had had little military practice during the reign of Alexander III, the only action being between King Hakon of Norway and Alexander at Largs in 1263.³ Consequently, they were ill-prepared to cope with an English invasion.

Before Edward had reached Scotland in 1296, a Scottish army crossed into England and, with a ferocity which almost rivalled Edward, ravaged Redesdale and Tynedale and burned the towns of Corbridge and Carlisle and the monasteries of Lanercost and Hexham. The reasons for this seem to be unclear, but it could have been a preemptive strike; it was certainly a policy to be repeatedly used by both Wallace and Bruce.

The Battle of Dunbar

Edward was in no hurry to complete the conquest when he was so sure of success. Eventually he sent a cavalry force under John, Earl Warenne to take Dunbar. Warenne, who had begun the siege of Dunbar[Map A (1)] was attacked by the "feudal host of Scotland".⁴[Map A (2)]

Warenne turned westward with his continental veterans to meet the Scots as they marched over Spottsmuir. Before the English could reach the Scots, they had to descend into a hollow [Map A (3)] through which flowed the Spott Burn. The Scots observing this action believed the English to be fleeing and charged. [Map A (4)] The English however were not fleeing and formed up in good order, throwing back the charge and setting about the broken ranks.[Map A (5)] A massacre then ensued and there were heavy casualties among the Scottish foot.⁵[Map A (6)] Dunbar is especially notable not only for the spectacular failure of the Scottish feudal host- the official military might of the Crown- but also for the large numbers of distinguished prisoners taken.

The example of Dunbar was not lost on the Scottish leadership. The ineptitude of the Scottish tactics contrasted unfavourably with the skill of Warenne in controlling and marshalling his forces, and the lack of discipline and experience of the Scottish army was exposed. Pitched battles would have to be carefully considered before being embarked upon in the future.

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