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THE HUNDRED YEAR'S WAR (1337 - 1453) |
| THE BATTLE OF CRECY : 25th AUGUST 1346 | |
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Although Edward was retreating
in haste before the French, it is possible that he had chosen the position
at Crecy beforehand.
Its steep, terraced hillside allowed him to deploy his archers to best advantage around the dismounted men-at-arms. Woods protected the English rear and wagons the flanks, while a windmill provided a command post. Philip had lost control of his troops and could not deploy them properly. Specially recruited Genoese crossbowman were sent forward to exchange fire with the English archers, but they lacked the protection of their pavises (which were still on the baggage waggons) and with their slower rate of fire they were comprehensively outshot. As they fell back, the French chivalry rode them down in disgust. Unsupported cavalry charges could make no headway against the combined archers and men-at-arms of the English. The hardest fighting was against the prince of Wales, where the French broke into the archers formation but by the end of the day 1500 knights and nobles lay dead. the key to the English victory was their strong position, good discipline, and firepower.
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| LINKS |  |
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THE BATTLE OF CRECY - account one THE BATTLE OF CRECY - account two Another account - nice site with some good pictures An account which includes some picture of coins from the period
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