Alexander Buchanan (soldier) facts for kids

Sir Alexander Buchanan (died 1424) was a brave Scottish soldier from a powerful family. He is best known for a very important moment during a war when he fought against a high-ranking English leader.

A Scottish Hero in France

Sir Alexander Buchanan was part of the Scottish army that traveled to France. Their mission was to help the French fight against the English army, led by King Henry V of England. This was during a long period of fighting known as the Hundred Years' War.

After a peace agreement called the Treaty of Troyes, the French prince, known as the Dauphin Charles, continued to lead the resistance. When King Henry V went back to England, he left his brother, the Duke of Clarence, in charge of the English forces in France.

The Battle of Baugé

On March 22, 1421, the Scottish army met the Duke of Clarence's forces at a place called Baugé. The Duke of Clarence was very eager and charged right into the Scottish soldiers. He and his knights quickly found themselves surrounded by the Scottish army.

During the intense fighting, a Scottish knight named Sir John Carmichael of Douglasdale knocked the Duke of Clarence off his horse. Once the Duke was on the ground, Sir Alexander Buchanan bravely finished the fight. Some stories say he used a heavy weapon called a mace, while others say he used a lance.

A Symbol of Victory

After the Duke of Clarence was defeated, Sir Alexander held the Duke's special crown, called a coronet, high on his lance. Seeing this, the English soldiers became very discouraged, and they lost the battle.

Because of this important victory, the Clan Buchanan (Sir Alexander's family group) still uses a special symbol on their family crest today. It shows a ducal coronet being held up, celebrating this triumph.

The Battle of Verneuil

Three years later, Sir Alexander was killed in another major battle called the Battle of Verneuil. Sadly, the Scottish army suffered a huge defeat there. During the attack, the English soldiers shouted "A Clarence! A Clarence!" This was their battle cry, remembering the Duke Sir Alexander had defeated and seeking revenge.