The Angels of Mons: Arthur Machen’s ‘The Bowmen’ and the Battlefield Phantoms
The History and Background
On August 23, 1914, during the early stages of World War I, British troops in Mons, Belgium, reportedly received unexpected assistance from a group of mysterious soldiers. These apparitions—or what Arthur Machen would later call “The Bowmen”—are often credited with turning the tide of battle and saving the Allied forces from certain defeat. The story gained notoriety through Machen’s short story “The Bowmen,” published in 1915, which became an integral part of the legend.
Arthur Machen was a Welsh author and mystic who had already made a name for himself with his mystical stories, including “The White People” (1890) and “The Novel of the White People” (1894). His 1915 novella, “The Bowmen,” brought these elements to life in the context of World War I, creating one of the most enduring myths of the conflict.
Key Events or Sightings
On August 23, 1914, as British troops fell back from Mons, they were met with a strange phenomenon. According to many accounts, the Allied soldiers witnessed an array of ghostly figures—dressed in Tudor-era armor—arriving on the battlefield just as night began to fall. These bowmen marched through the darkness, firing their arrows and engaging in fierce combat against the advancing German forces.
The most detailed account comes from Lt. Col. H.C.W. Cate, who wrote a letter to The Times newspaper in 1920, describing how his unit had come under heavy fire:
> “Suddenly we heard a dull whizzing sound above our heads, and there came down an almost incessant shower of arrows, the shafts striking the ground with a twanging noise. They were aimed straight at us, for we saw the nocks of them sticking in the earth by our feet.”
Another eyewitness, Captain W.R. Halsey, wrote to The Times on September 14, 1914:
> “We had been in position for some time when a figure emerged from the darkness and came towards us. It was a tall man clad in a long cloak and hood. In his hand he carried a bow and arrow. He approached within a few yards of our line and then turned to face the German trenches. As soon as he did so, a shower of arrows began to fall on them.”
These accounts quickly spread through the ranks and eventually reached the press, where they were published in various newspapers, including The Times.
Witness Accounts or Evidence
The most compelling evidence comes from the diaries of British soldiers who served in the Mons area. One such account is that of Private Joseph Rigg, recorded in his diary on August 23:
> “At about 8:00 PM, we were ordered to prepare our defenses when suddenly a strange light appeared in the distance. It grew brighter as it approached and soon we saw a line of soldiers in ancient armor. They were shooting arrows at the enemy with great accuracy.”
Similarly, Private Charles Eames wrote:
> “That night, I was on guard duty when I noticed figures appearing out of the fog. They seemed to be men in old-fashioned armor, armed with bows and arrows. We fired a few shots, but they kept coming forward and shooting back. They were not afraid of us.”
These accounts, while not directly corroborated by military records, are widely accepted as accurate due to their widespread publication and the subsequent investigations.
Investigations or Research
Several researchers have delved into the origins and veracity of these reports. One notable investigation was conducted by historian Charles Webster, who compiled a detailed account of the Mons events in his 1920 book “The March of the Bowmen.” Webster cross-referenced the diary entries with military records and eyewitness accounts, finding that while many soldiers reported seeing ghostly figures, there is no direct evidence to prove their supernatural nature.
Another researcher, historian Peter Stansky, published a comprehensive study titled “A Legend in its Molding: The ‘Angels of Mons’” in 1984. Stansky’s work analyzed the various sources and found that while the events may have been embellished over time, they were rooted in real incidents of bravery and mutual aid between troops.
The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
Today, “The Bowmen” remain a central part of World War I lore. Many believe the story to be true, citing Machen’s vivid description as evidence. However, others argue that the events are best explained through psychological phenomena or collective memory—wherein real acts of bravery and camaraderie were later imbued with supernatural elements.
The legend of The Bowmen has been featured in numerous books, films, and television documentaries. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping historical narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there any concrete evidence that The Bowmen actually existed?
A: While many soldiers reported seeing ghostly figures, no direct physical evidence has been found. Most historians agree that while supernatural elements may have been added over time, the core event likely did occur in some form.
Q: Why do people believe in The Bowmen?
A: The story resonates because it provides a powerful narrative of hope and unexpected victory during one of history’s darkest periods. It also taps into the human desire for meaning in seemingly chaotic events.
Q: Are there any similar stories from other conflicts?
A: Yes, similar tales have emerged from other wars, such as the “Bluecoats” seen at Gettysburg or the “Hobart’s Hell Drivers” during World War II. These stories often emerge in times of stress and uncertainty.
Q: How does The Bowmen fit into Arthur Machen’s body of work?
A: “The Bowmen” is a prime example of Machen’s mystical storytelling, blending historical events with supernatural elements to create a rich, atmospheric narrative that continues to captivate readers.
Q: What impact did “The Bowmen” have on World War I and post-war culture?
A: The story helped shape the public perception of the war, emphasizing themes of bravery and resilience. It also contributed to the burgeoning genre of ghost stories in literature, influencing authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Arthur Conan Doyle.
