How do I train longbowmen?

[damage_13]

we do, as there is a lot of information out there to be researched (in just the Pennisular War alone)

The way the companies fired depended on the situation and the enemy they faced.

ripple(used by spanish), by platoon, 2,3 file cont rotation, 4+ files upwards when facing cav, single shot at 50 yards and charge (with bayonets)

accuracy wasn't even considered... cos while you're getting shot at, reloading your musket with all that smoke and din happening, just before you fire you would probably reminded nicely by your Snt to aim low at their bellies.

the platoon, company, regiment was positioned facing the threat and essentially treated like a giant shotgun. Depending on the weather, the smoke made by the first shot partially obscured the enemy anyway, by the time you had raised you musket for the third shot you were lucky to see more than 2ft in front of you anyway.

only skirmishers were used as marksmen, with the British the only european army fielding rifles for this purpose (although there were cases of company vs company engagements where the rifles where used in platoon fire shooting)

[bluebird]

I hear the British Army is again considering the Longbow as a replacement for the SA80, as you are more likely to lose a couple of fingers firing this rifle than if you were a medieval bowman.