Following the alleged successful implementation of the feigned retreat tactic, William decided for an all or nothing charge on the Saxon line. His archers had had very little to do after shooting of their arrows because within a few minutes they had run out. Saxon's rarely used archery in battle and so no arrows were returned. The archers would have retired to the rear to replenish their stock and await further orders. William decided to bring them forward and use them as a barrage weapon by firing just over the shield wall whist his foot soldiers and cavalry would advance head on. The depleted Saxon wall broke down under this tactic and signalled almost the end of the battle.