The Swiss troops of this period were remarkable both because of the terror they inspired in their opponents, and for their own extraordinary qualities.
First of these was sheer courage — no
Swiss force of this period ever seems to have been broken or to have run or surrendered; several literally fought to the last man, and the only concession they would make to defeat was a bitter and grudging retreat in good order, defending themselves against all attacks (for example, at Marig-nano, 1515, where their losses were over 50 per cent!). Perhaps their habit of hanging the first man to panic had something to do with this!
Second! y, superiority of training. The Swiss relied on a simple traditional system of tactics, practised until it became second nature to every man, and applied it unhesitatingly under the direction of a sort of committee-leadership of dour and experienced old soldiers — rather like a Roman legion and its centurions.
Thirdly, ferocity — the Swiss spared no-one, refused quarter to their enemies — even prisoners who could afford a ransom were mercilessly slaughtered; they violated terms of surrender given to garrisons and pillaged towns that had capitulated — not a small part of the fear they inspired sprang from this bloody reputation.
With this ruthlessness went a strongly commercial attitude to war — ’Point d’argent, point de Suisse’ (No money, no Swiss) went the saying; if not paid they simply marched off, no matter how that left their employer. If regularly paid they were normally loyal, but there were some examples of their being bribed to change sides. They were also independent and headstrong, their wish to get the job over often leading to attacks without orders, nor would they accept any discipline from outsiders.
World History
