[MR] Wikipedia: Death of Sir Henry de Bohun, 1314

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends, Especially Fellow Scots,

On this date in 1314, the English knight Sir Henry de Bohun became the
first major casualty at the Battle of Bannockburn.

At this point, battle between the Scots and the English had yet to be
joined, though the two armies had taken up their initial positions. King of
Scots Robert the Bruce was out beyond his lines, inspecting his position.
Bruce was only lightly armored, if at all, riding a small palfrey, and in
most accounts unaccompanied.

Sir Henry was fully armored and mounted upon a charger. Seeing an
opportunity for personal glory and advancement, he spurred his horse
forward and charged the Scottish king with his lance lowered.

King Robert calmly awaited de Bohun's attack, in the last seconds he moved
his horse aside. Then standing up in the stirrups, swung his axe. The blow
struck de Bohun in the head, splitting both helm and skull. Sir Henry
certainly found glory, but not the sort he was expecting. The blow was so
great it split the haft of The Bruce's axe.

The Scottish commanders were highly critical of the king for risking
himself beyond their lines. The Bruce's sole comment was that the fight had
ruined his second-best axe.

For more about the Battle of Bannockburn, see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bannockburn . Also see
http://learning.battleofbannockburn.com/battlepedia/ .

Yours Aye,

Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆