King Robert the Bruce defeats English knight Henry De Bohun in single combat at the beginning of the battle of Bannockburn

An English knight Henry de Bohun was riding ahead of his companions when he caught sight of the Scottish king inspecting some of his lines. De Bohun lowered his lance and charged. Robert the Bruce was mounted on a small palfrey and armed with a battle-axe[He could have simply moved behind his men and let them repel the charging warhorse and rider.[ Instead he turned his horse and rode towards de Bohun.

At the last moment Bruce swerved his horse to one side, missing de Bohun’s lance. He then rose in his stirrups and brought down his axe with such force he cut through de Bohun’s helmet killing him instantly. There was a stunned silence by both armies then a great cheer rose among the Scottish soldiers.

Then the highlanders of Bruce’s own division charged the English cavalry who were still lining up King Robert stopped their charge and they returned to their lines. This showed how well-disciplined the Scottish soldiers had become.