An Army List for the Trained Bands of England

Heroes of the English are often dashing young men all desperate to curry favour with Her Majesty. They are usually wealthy, educated, skilled, brave and foolhardy. Some are seasoned warriors others are youngbloods eager to make a name for themselves. They wear the finest clothes and use the finest weapons. They will lead from the front and are formidable in combat.

Captain (hero)

Captains of English troops are usually wealthy educated fellows who are trying to make a name for them selves. They are often second or third sons who have not entered the clergy. In some cases they will have paid for the equipping of a good number of the men under their command. They will have learnt how to use a sword from an early age and many of them will have studied a variety of treatises on the art of war.

Sergeants are experienced soldiers who have shown their skill in battle, they provide links in the chain of command and have the ability to hold their men steady or lead from the front. In a battle formation sergeants are often placed behind the pike men to offer them encouragement at the point of a halberd. Sergeants often form part of a colour party using their halberds to protect the standard.

Ensigns are junior officers in a unit. They are the unit’s standard bearer. They are often young officers many still in their teens. They are armed with a sword and some may carry a pistol for close range protection. If they fall in combat any other trooper in base to base combat may pick up the standard so it stays flying.

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