Would Longshanks have used WMDs

[kilted_warrior]

Does anyone else think that, had the they been available, Longshanks would have used WMDs, without hesitation on both scotland and Wales.

The duke of cumberland would have as well.

what does anyone else think?

[ANDY-J3]

WMDs were available to medieval armies and they did use them.During sieges plague victims were sometimes catapulted into besieged cities in the hope of starting an epidemic,so they used a primitive form of biological warfare.They also used a sulphur based substance called Greek Fire which caused similar injuries to modern napalm and phosphorous bombs.In all of my studies of military history I don't recall any instance where military commanders of the past had any moral scruples about using the most devastating weaponry at their disposal.

[Hirta]

Originally posted by kilted_warrior
Does anyone else think that, had the they been available, Longshanks would have used WMDs, without hesitation on both scotland and Wales.

The duke of cumberland would have as well.

what does anyone else think?

It's possible - 'scorched earth' policy was a common tactic among commanders of time and was extremely damaging. As Andy's 3rd incarnation points out:

Originally posted by ANDY-J3
I don't recall any instance where military commanders of the past had any moral scruples about using the most devastating weaponry at their disposal.

Of course it's important for kilted_warrior to realise that these sorts of tactics were not merely confined to English commanders - both Norman and Scot ravaged the North of England, for example. I'm curious to know why he/she does not mention them.

[kilted_warrior]

The reason I singled out Longshanks and cumberland is because they are fairly well known "bad boys" most people have some knowledge of the lengths they would go to, one person I dont think would have hesitated was william the conqueror, the reason I mention WMDs is that it seems that whilst we have these weapons at our disposal, there is a reluctance to use them (thankfully) even by despots, every so often in history someone comes along (Hitler/Longshanks/William) hell bent on domination and totally ruthless who would be prepared to use these things. prepared to cross the line!!!

I seroiusly believe that North Korea will at some stage threaten to use these things there is a ticking time bomb!

[TheScottishEconomist]

I found the notion of the medieval King Edward the I of England with his 'finger on the button' a bit too ridiculous to take seriously. I think Hitler and William might be a bit insulted that Edward be grouped with them.

However you are right about WMD, now they have been invented they cannot be uninvented, and they will very likely be used eventually.

[aNonnyMoose]

There was also the use of the Dragon banner, which when unfurled meant that no quarter was given to anyone on the opposing side, whether combatant or civilian. Used at the Siege of Berwick, where Longshanks and his army massacred 15,000 inhabitants of the town.

[kilted_warrior]

My point is the mindset of someone like Hitler/Longshanks etc who would be prepeared to unleash the fury of WMDS

Mugabe as well I feel would not hesitate, The fact that these things now exist and are vastly more powerful than ones dropped on Hiroshima/Nagsaki it only takes a leader with the mindset of the aforementioned and we are all have Problems.

Am I right in thinking that all Britains WMDs are kept in Scotland? Bullseye!!