Instant carnage!
The rapidity with which the invader army fell apart in the missile exchange was surprising. The missile exchanges were equally heavy; which meant that the smaller invader force suffered greater percentage of casualties. A general rout ensued: carrying off the French-right, half the Norman-center and the Breton-left spearmen; seeing this, most of the marksmen fled as well. Fortunately for William, all of his knights stood firm.
English rustics break ranks and pursue
Their shakey morale fails and the rustics on both English wings set off in pursuit of the routing French and Bretons.
French knights advance
To plug the gap, the French-right knights move forward: their infantry continue to rout away. Seeing their prey escaping, the English pursuers stop and reform lower down on the face of the hill. Both the Breton and Norman infantry rally.
Cavalry advance
Breton and Norman knights now move up into position for a general assault. Duke William retains a reserve. Marksmen on the French-right resume shooting. Blocks of infantry form up beside the cavalry for an attack.
Knights attack
The French marksmen withdraw when their missiles are spent. In the center a very powerful assault of Norman knights and heavy infantry contacts Harold's command. Both wings are also attacked by the Bretons and French. Some of the surviving French-right heavy spearmen rallied and are seen advancing toward the battle again.