Infantry decapitated by bowmen (7)

I believe the answer is:

archers

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'bowmen' is the definition.
('archer' can be a synonym of 'bowman')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for archers that I've seen before include "Bowmen on BBC radio?" , "old soldiers?" , "Their sport is the bow and arrow" , "Part of army once" , "Toxophilites" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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