Bardiche invented by King Jan III Sobieski). Another use of the bardiche was for execution. Bardiche A bardiche , berdiche, bardische, bardeche,("long pollaxe") or berdish is a type of axe/pole weapon known in the 14th through 17th centuries in Europe. Ultimately a descendant of the medieval sparth (Danish axe), the bardiche proper appears around 1400, but there are numerous medieval manuscripts that depict very similar weapons beginning . The bardiche differs from the halberd in having neither a hook at the back nor a spear point at the top. Use of bardiches started in early 14th century Austria and in Scandinavia
Operation Halberd Force H was attacked by three submarines; and "Adua" was sunk by "Gurkha" and "Legion". Another "Ark Royal" Fulmar fell to friendly fire from "Prince of Wales", raising British aircraft losses to three Fulmars from friendly fire and one Swordfish from enemy action. Italian aircraft losses were 21 including seven bombers and one fighter from enemy action, one fighter from friendly fire, and ten fighters from fuel exhaustion. Admiral Somerville was knighted in recognition of his successful command of Force H during Operation Halberd. It was the second time Somerville had received that honour; and occasioned this memorable congratulatory message