Talk:Battle of Crécy

A major change in this version is the commander of english troops: it was Edward III not the Black Prince, that was only 16 at the time. A very smart 16 however, since he led one of the english infantry squadrons... Muriel Gottrop

French attack

The French's first attack was thrown by the Genoese crossbowmen, however they did not accidentally smash into the charging French cavalry. They were ran down by them because the dead mercenaries did not have to be paid. Since many of the Genoese crossbowmen, were throwing their crossbowas away so they would not have to make a second attack on the English.

Therefore the numbers of casualities incurred by the French at the battle are disputed by historians. The French after the battle played down this slaughter of their allies because of the political ramifications. That is to say that the Genoese would not provide the light artillery that they so much desired to push back Edwards' army!

Also the French charged fifteen to sixteen, showing true valour, grit, determination and chivalry. One thing to note is that the Bishop of Durham took charge of the defensive line after the King had held him and his men (only a dozen or so) in reserve. The Bishop carried with him a huge ball and spiked chain and shield with which he blew a massive blow against the waves of mounted knights (most of the French nobility). The Black Prince did indeed fight at the age of 16, the King commenting that although it looked at one point as if the French would capture him, actually breaking the line (until the Bishop arrived) that the boy could learn to fight his own battles as he had had to do!

The Effects

there needs to be MORE!!!

English arrows or mud?

I believe I saw a show on the History Channel which reviewed this battle. They did a study with the long bow and arrows used against french knights. Their study showed that the iron tipped arrows didn't penetrate the french steel plate armour. Instead their study showed it was the "sticky" mud on the battle field which slowed the knights and eventually falling them. The mud would stick to the surfaces of the armour where as "clothed" light armed troops which had no problems killing French nobles did not get stuck in the mud as bad. They were able to use daggers and such to stab the fallen knights in the arm pits, eye slits, and etc. So the study showed it was mud and not english arrows which defeated the charge.