Battle of Valmont facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Valmont
Part of the Hundred Years' War (Lancastrian phase)
Date 9 and 11 March 1416 Location around Valmont and Harfleur Result Inconclusive; see result
Belligerents
Kingdom of England	Kingdom of France
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Beaufort	Bernard of Armagnac
Strength
Beaufort: 1,000 Harfleur garrison: 1,200	4,000
Casualties and losses
160 (on the first day)	1,000

The Battle of Valmont was actually two fights. They happened between March 9 and 11, 1416. These battles took place near the towns of Valmont and Harfleur in Normandy, France.

An English raiding group, led by Thomas Beaufort, was met by a larger French army. The French army was commanded by Bernard VII, Count of Armagnac. The first fight near Valmont did not go well for the English. They lost their horses and supplies.

However, the English managed to regroup and safely retreat towards Harfleur. But the French had cut off their path! This led to a second battle. The French army was defeated with help from the English soldiers already in Harfleur.

Who Fought?

The English Army

In January 1416, England sent more soldiers to Harfleur. Harfleur was a town the English had captured earlier. About 900 men-at-arms and 1500 archers arrived.

Thomas Beaufort, also known as the Earl of Dorset, took 1000 to 1100 of these soldiers on his raid. His group included both men-at-arms (knights and armored soldiers) and archers (soldiers who used bows and arrows).

The French Army

Bernard of Armagnac brought 2,000 men-at-arms and 1,000 archers with him. They came from a region called Gascony in January 1416.

He also gathered soldiers from nearby towns. The city of Rouen sent 600 men-at-arms and 50 crossbowmen. In total, the French army at Valmont had about 4,000 soldiers.

First Battle: Near Valmont

Dorset's English group started their raid on March 9. They attacked and burned several villages. They went as far as Cany-Barville. Then, the English turned back to head home.

But the French army stopped them near Valmont. The English quickly formed a battle line. They put their horses and supplies behind them. The French then launched a cavalry (horseback) attack.

The French horsemen broke through the English line. But instead of finishing the fight, they rode on to steal the English supplies and horses. This gave Dorset, who was wounded, a chance to rally his men.

He led them to a small garden with hedges nearby. They defended this spot until nightfall. The French army went back to Valmont for the night. This allowed Dorset to lead his men away in the dark. They found shelter in the woods at Les Loges. About 160 English soldiers were killed in this first part of the battle.

Second Battle: Near Harfleur

The next day, the English headed towards the coast. They walked along the beach, marching across the shingle (small stones) towards Harfleur.

However, as they got close to Harfleur, they saw French soldiers waiting on the cliffs above. The English formed a line. The French attacked, charging down the steep slope. The French soldiers became disorganized as they ran downhill. They were defeated, and many were killed.

As the English were taking things from the dead French soldiers, the main French army arrived. This larger French force did not attack right away. Instead, they formed up on the high ground. This forced the English to attack them.

The English successfully pushed the French back. As the French retreated, soldiers from the Harfleur garrison attacked them from the side. This turned the French retreat into a full rout (a complete defeat and disorganized flight). The French reportedly lost 200 men killed and 800 captured in this second battle. Later, Bernard of Armagnac had 50 more French soldiers hanged for running away from the fight.

A Brave Reply

The Battle of Valmont is remembered for a brave act of defiance. At some point during the fighting, the French commander, D'Armagnac, offered the English terms to surrender. He said that English men-at-arms would be taken prisoner. But English archers would have their right hands cut off.

Dorset's reply to the French messenger was famous: "Tell your master that Englishmen do not surrender." This showed the strong spirit of the English soldiers.

What Was the Outcome?

Historians don't all agree on who truly won the Battle of Valmont. Some English writers at the time called it an "epic" achievement for the English soldiers.

However, other historians felt the French had a "satisfying" result. Some even described it as a "disastrous occasion" for the English. So, the overall outcome is still debated today.

See also

• Reign of King Henry V told by John Strecche, Canon of Kenilworth