line and leading be defective, Providence seldom sides with the
big battalions . . . and troops that cannot march are untrustworthy
auxiliaries" ("The Science of War"). "An army which cannot march well
is almost certain to be outmanoeuvred. A general whose strategy is
based upon time calculations that are rendered inaccurate by the
breakdown of the marching power of his troops runs grave risk of
disaster. It is therefore necessary that the question of marching
should be studied, not only by generals and staff officers, but by
regimental officers and men. It is on the latter that the hardships
and exertions fall, and their cheerful endurance can best be ensured by
teaching them the great results attainable by an army which can move
faster and further than its adversary, as well as the dangers incurred
by an army which allows itself to be out-marched. . . . Superior
mobility alone enabled Frederick the Great to move 'like a panther
round an ox' so as to place his army across the enemy's flank. The
discipline of his troops enabled him to apply the principles of
combination" (General Sir E. B. Hamley). "Nothing compensates for
absence of discipline; and the constant watchfulness that is necessary
in war, even when danger seems remote, can only be secured by
discipline, which makes of duty a habit" (General R. Taylor, C.S.
Army). At the _Battle of Hastings_ (Oct. 14, 1066) lack of discipline
and disobedience of orders changed the fate of the English nation and
brought about the Norman Conquest. Harold, the English king, had
defeated the forces of Harold Hadraade, {12} King of Norway, at
Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire (Sept. 25, 1066). Four days later, Duke
William of Normandy landed in Pevensey Bay, with 60,000 horse and foot.
Harold hastened south to meet him with troops exhausted by battle and
marching. After halting six days in London to collect reinforcements,
the English force entrenched itself on the hill of Sautlache and
awaited attack. The Normans were unable to penetrate the abattis, but
they gained the victory which changed the whole history of the English
race by the stratagem of a feigned retreat. Harold's undisciplined
auxiliaries, contrary to direct orders (which were obeyed by the
"regular" troops in the centre), swarmed out of the palisades in
pursuit of the fleeing Normans, who suddenly turned about and
penetrated the English lines mingled with the discomfited auxiliaries.
Had the "irregulars" show