Description
War elephants were not battle-winning weapons on their own. They needed to be used properly, and given the right support if they were to break an enemy line and the enemy’s will to fight on. They would often be accompanied into battle with a screen of friendly skirmishers. It was their job to keep the elephants from being harassed by the enemy’s light troops, allowing the elephants to attack unmolested. The sheer size of an elephant was enough to instil terror, before its tusks impaled men, or it hurled enemies away or trampled them to death. Even in the best conditions, elephants could be unpredictable: they could react with anger if their handlers were killed or wounded, but they could also turn on the same men when they had reached breaking point. Sent forwards at the right moment, though, and they could sweep all before them.
