Regular infantry, as distinct from specialised infantry such as Foot Guards, light infantry or special forces. Infantry, thought to be of the Royal Irish Rifles, in the First World War Infantry are soldiers who fight primarily on foot, although modern infantry may be transported in any number of fashions. ... Foot guards is a term used to describe elite infantry regiments. ... Traditionally light infantry (or skirmishers) were soldiers whose job was to provide a skirmishing screen ahead of the main body of infantry, harassing and delaying the enemy advance. ... Special forces or special operations forces is a term used to describe relatively small military units raised and trained for reconnaissance, unconventional warfare and special operations. ...
When the wedge came into contact with the infantryline, more often than not it would cave in on itself, allowing an infantry charge to move in and scatter the remaining forces.
In most medieval battles, more soldiers were killed during the retreat than in battle, since mounted knights could quickly and easily dispatch the archers and infantry who had been protected by a line of pikes during the fighting.
Against mounted opponents or other infantry the ranks of the bowmen were extended in thin lines and protected and screened by pits (as at Bannockburn), staves (as at Crecy) or trenches elsewhere.