THE BATTLE OF Sluys: Key POINT SUMMARY

BACKGROUND

• During the 1330s, Philip VI of France strengthened the French navy.

• By 1337, France was the dominant naval power.

• The French navy integrated Mediterranean-style galleys, including a fleet from Genoa.

• England lacked a specialized navy, with only three named warships.

• King Edward III of England sought Venetian galleys but received unclear replies. He adapted merchant cogs for warfare.

• The French disrupted English trade routes and raided coastal towns like Portsmouth, Hastings, Southampton, Plymouth, and Dover.

• A setback for the English: Two key ships, the Christopher and Cog Edward, were captured by the French in 1338.

• By 1339, the French navy weakened due to mutiny by unpaid Genoese mercenaries and an English raid destroying 18 galleys in Boulogne.

• Edward took the opportunity to reinforce the English navy and plan an invasion of France.

• Philip of France adopted the English method, requisitioning 200 merchant ships for a naval "Great Army".

PRELUDE TO THE BATTLE

• Philip created the 'Great Army of the Sea' and set it up at Sluys to stop potential English invasions.

• The French fleet consisted of 202 ships and 19,000 sailors but was low on experienced soldiers.

• Edward III, although outnumbered, decided to confront the French navy. He reorganized his fleet for naval warfare and sailed to Sluys.

• Upon arriving, the French formed three chained lines across the Zwin estuary to block the English.

• Edward decided to wait for favorable conditions before launching his assault on the French.

THE BATTLE

• On 24 June, the English navy attacked the French with the sun behind them.

• The English used larger ships to break through the French lines and longbowmen to target French troops from above.

• Close combat between the two sides ensued, with the English capitalizing on the French’s lack of experience.

• The French second line faced difficulties engaging due to the positioning of the first line.

• Two French commanders, Quiéret and Béhuchet, faced brutal fates during the battle.

• The third line of the French tried to escape but faced isolated skirmishes. Only 24 French ships managed to escape.

AFTERMATH

• Out of 213 French ships, 190 were seized by the English, and casualties ranged between 16,000 and 18,000 for the French.

• English casualties were much lower, between 400 and 600.

• While a victory for the English, the French managed to rebuild their navy, and the war over the English Channel continued.

• Post-Sluys, Edward landed his forces in France, splitting them between northern France and a siege on the city of Tournai.