Battle of Crecy

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During the Hundred Years War, King Edward III's English forces achieved a decisive victory by defeating King Philip VI's French army at the Battle of Crecy in Normandy. This battle, notable for the early utilization of the lethal longbow by the English, holds significance as one of history's pivotal moments.

On July 12, 1346, King Edward initiated an invasion with around 14,000 troops on the shores of Normandy. Proceeding northward, the English army pillaged the French countryside. Upon learning of the English presence, King Philip gathered a force of 12,000 soldiers, comprising approximately 8,000 mounted knights and 4,000 hired Genoese crossbowmen. The clash occurred at Crecy, where King Edward readied his army to counter the French attack. In the late afternoon of August 26, King Philip's forces launched their assault.

The Genoese crossbowmen led the charge, but they were swiftly overcome by Edward's contingent of 10,000 longbowmen, known for their quicker reloading and longer shooting range. The crossbowmen were forced to retreat, while the French mounted knights endeavored to breach the English infantry lines. However, they faced relentless volleys of arrows that felled both horses and riders in successive waves. As night fell, the French were compelled to retreat. Roughly a third of their army lay dead on the battlefield, including Philip's brother Charles II of Alencon, allies like King John of Bohemia and Louis II of Nevers, along with 1,500 other knights and esquires. King Philip himself escaped with a wound. English casualties numbered fewer than a hundred.

This battle marked the waning influence of mounted knights in European warfare and signaled England's ascent as a global power. Following the victory at Crecy, Edward's forces marched on to Calais, which ultimately surrendered to him in 1347.

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