A rare Anglo-Gascon tactical success against a larger French force during the Hundred Years' War, resulting in the capture of the French commander.
Key Facts
- Anglo-Gascon force size
- approximately 500 men
- French force size
- approximately 1,500 men
- French killed
- approximately 300
- Anglo-Gascon commander
- Thomas Coke
- French commander
- Jean de Lille (captured)
- Conflict phase
- First phase of the Hundred Years' War
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The first phase of the Hundred Years' War brought sustained military conflict between English-allied Gascon forces and French forces in southwestern France. In the summer of 1349, French and Anglo-Gascon contingents came into opposition near the location known today as Limalonges in Deux-Sèvres, with the French deploying a force roughly three times the size of their opponents.
An Anglo-Gascon force of around 500 men, commanded by Thomas Coke, fought a French force of approximately 1,500 men under Jean de Lille. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Anglo-Gascons gained the upper hand during the day's fighting. However, after the French captured their horses, they were forced to withdraw on foot during the night, preventing them from fully exploiting their battlefield advantage.
The French suffered approximately 300 killed and a large but unspecified number captured, including their commander Jean de Lille. Although the Anglo-Gascons were compelled to withdraw on foot due to the loss of their horses, the battle represented a tactical success for the smaller force and resulted in the removal of the French commander from the field.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Thomas Coke.
Side B
1 belligerent
Jean de Lille.