30-09-1066 3rd. Day of the Invation of Britain.

Foraging is recognised as normal practice in warfare. English troops, as well as Norman, take food from farmers to feed themselves. However, it has been pointed out that, when William of Normandy banned foraging there to keep the support of local people. when he mustered his troops on the other side of the Channel, however in England, he does not seem to mind alienating the people he claims as his new subjects.

“Atrocities have been report across a large swathe of East Sussex - though the Normans claim they are merely foraging. Many of the Norman soldiers had brought inadequate rations with them from Normandy”..

 

“Numerous incidents of looting, rape and murder are being reported. Anything the pillagers cannot carry, they vandalise. Houses are burned down. Livestock are slaughtered and grainstores destroyed. Many Saxons have fled. Those who remain behind face starvation in the coming winter. Resistance is futile and the people of East Sussex face the stark choice between the precarious life of a refugee and death. Many villages will take generations to recover. But the harrying of the people of East Sussex is more than just the thoughtless action of marauding soldiers. It is a deliberate policy, sanctioned by William himself. King Harold is also Earl of Wessex and Sussex has been part of Wessex since 825. By attacking his people, William is goading Harold in action”.

 

Footnote. Remember this is 1066 but could be so easily mistaken for 30-09-2013 in one of the emerging countries.