Illustrations of history

Not fun stuff, that's for sure. You'd probably survive the initial charge, but you're the wave immediately up in the meat grinder. In the 15th and 16th centuries, German mercenary groups called the men in this first charge the verlorene Haufen, the 'lost heap', often translated as 'forlorn hope'. The men who served in it got double pay for their trouble. When there weren't enough volunteers, those under death sentences were used.

Some military systems could be more forgiving about it, though - many pre-modern militaries didn't keep strict ranks, so you could shuffle back in the chaos after a few minutes of fighting. Just keep your shield high 'til you get the chance! The Romans, who were fond of keeping strict ranks, would rotate as a unit, bringing the front line to the back every few minutes to keep the soldiers fresh.