Thiérache campaign facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thiérache campaign Chevauchée of Edward III of 1339
Part of the Hundred Years' War
Date 20 September – 24 October 1339 Location Northern France Result English withdrawal
Belligerents
Kingdom of England County of Flanders Holy Roman Empire County of Hainaut	Kingdom of France
Commanders and leaders
King Edward III	King Philip VI

The Thiérache campaign' was an important military journey during the Hundred Years' War. It is also known as the chevauchée of Edward III of 1339. A chevauchée was a type of raid where an army would march through enemy land, causing damage and trying to get the enemy to fight. This campaign took place in northern France.

The English army, led by King Edward III, started their march on September 20, 1339. They began in Valenciennes, which was in Hainault. Their path took them through areas like Cambrésis, Picardy, and Thiérache. The English had allies from the Flemish, Hainault, and the Holy Roman Empire. They faced the French army, led by King Philip VI. The campaign included the siege of Cambrai. It ended on October 24, 1339, when the English forces pulled back into Brabant.

What Happened After the Campaign?

After the Thiérache campaign, Duke John of Normandy led a French army. They marched through Hainault. This was to get back at Hainault for helping King Edward III. The French army's advance was stopped at Le Quesnoy. The defenders there used cannons, which were new at the time.

Later, a Flemish army was on its way to Valenciennes. This army was led by Jacques van Artevelde. Two important English leaders, Robert de Ufford, Earl of Suffolk and William Montagu, Earl of Salisbury, were with them. This Flemish army was ambushed. The Earls of Suffolk and Salisbury were captured. They were taken as prisoners to Paris.

King Philip VI then joined the French army. He marched to meet the Flemish army. But then, news arrived. The French fleet had been completely destroyed. This happened during a big sea battle called the Battle of Sluys. After hearing this news, the French army decided to retreat. They pulled back to Arras.