Ep 2. Agincourt's Dark Secrets

In the second episode of Battlefield Detectives Season 1, we explore the historic Battle of Agincourt and the dark secrets behind it. This battle was fought between the English and French armies in northern France in 1415, during the Hundred Years' War.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the battle - the English King Henry V had invaded France with his army, hoping to claim the French throne. The French, led by their Constable Charles d'Albret, were waiting for them near the village of Agincourt. Despite being outnumbered, the English army, which included many longbowmen, managed to secure a stunning victory.

The episode takes a closer look at some of the factors that contributed to the English victory. One of the key reasons was the longbow, which was a weapon of immense power and accuracy. The English longbowmen were highly skilled and were able to shoot arrows at a distance of up to 300 yards, picking off the French knights before they even got close to the English lines.

Another factor was the muddy terrain at the battle site, which hampered the French cavalry's ability to manoeuvre. Many of the French knights found themselves bogged down in the mud, making them easy targets for the English archers.

But as the episode reveals, there were also some darker factors at play. The English army had a secret weapon - a device called the 'wagenburg'. This was a military tactic where the English arranged their wagons in a circular formation, creating a makeshift fortress. The horses were then tethered to the wagons, forming a barrier that made it difficult for the French cavalry to charge them.

The wagenburg was a controversial tactic because it was seen as 'ungentlemanly' - not in keeping with the chivalric code of the time. In fact, it was considered to be a violation of the rules of war. However, the English were desperate to win, and they were willing to use whatever means necessary to secure victory.

The episode also delves into some of the myths and legends surrounding the battle. One of the most enduring is the idea that the French knights were weighed down by their heavy armor, making them easy targets for the nimble English archers. However, modern research has shown that this is not necessarily true. In fact, the French armor was not significantly heavier than that worn by the English knights.

The episode also tackles some of the logistical challenges faced by both armies. For example, the English had to transport their army across the English Channel, which was no mean feat in the days before motorized transport. They had to rely on ships and boats to ferry their men and supplies across the water, which was dangerous and time-consuming.

The French, on the other hand, had to deal with the difficult terrain of northern France. The area around Agincourt was heavily forested, making it difficult to maneuver an army. The French were also hampered by the fact that their army was made up of troops from different regions of France, each with their own agendas and loyalties.

All of these factors contributed to the outcome of the battle, which was a stunning victory for the English. But as the title of the episode suggests, there were also some dark secrets behind the battle. The English were desperate to win, and they were willing to use any means necessary to secure their victory. This, coupled with the horrors of medieval warfare, made Agincourt a dark and bloody chapter in the history of both England and France.

Overall, Battlefield Detectives Season 1 Episode 2 is a fascinating exploration of one of the most famous battles in history. The episode uses a combination of expert interviews, dramatic reenactments, and innovative computer graphics to bring the battle to life for viewers. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in military history, medieval warfare, or the Hundred Years' War.