The BATTLE of Crécy: bullet point summary

PRELUDE

• Summer 1346: The English, led by King Edward III, land on the Cotentin Peninsula.

• English army of ~10,000 troops face minimal resistance.

• Edward's orders to spare locals and property are ignored; trail of destruction left.

• After sacking Caen, English head north but face obstacles.

• King Philip VI of France pursues with a massive army.

• English set up defensive position near Crécy-en-Ponthieu.

• Philip's army, 30,000-40,000 strong, arrives on 26 August 1346.

PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE

• The English position themselves on a ridge between Crécy and Wadicourt.

• The English army: 7,000-15,000 troops, including longbowmen and dismounted knights.

• The English divided into three groups; Black Prince leads one division.

• Archers positioned in a V-shaped formation.

• French army: 20,000-30,000 troops, including Genoese crossbowmen.

• Rain affects the battle preparations; Genoese crossbows are compromised.

THE BATTLE COMMENCES

• The battle starts at 4 pm with Genoese crossbowmen advancing.

• English longbowmen have the advantage due to high ground and dry bows.

• The Genoese suffer heavy losses and retreat.

• The French knights charge, causing chaos and trampling the retreating Genoese.

• The French launch multiple charges, all repelled by English defenses.

• Blind King John of Bohemia's brave charge ends in his death.

• English longbowmen play a pivotal role, causing havoc in French ranks.

• The French launch 15 charges, all repelled.

• King Philip VI is injured but escapes to Labroye castle.

• The English remain vigilant overnight, not pursuing the retreating French.

LEGACY

• Decisive English victory, showcasing the longbow's effectiveness.

• Marked a shift in medieval warfare: decline of cavalry, rise of infantry and ranged weapons.

• Battle emphasized the importance of tactical positioning.