The English victory at Sluys granted England naval supremacy in the English Channel early in the Hundred Years' War.
Key Facts
- Date
- 24 June 1340
- English fleet size
- 120–150 ships
- French fleet size
- 230 ships
- French casualties
- 16,000–20,000 men
- English commander
- Edward III of England
- Context
- One of the opening engagements of the Hundred Years' War
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Edward III sailed from the River Orwell on 22 June 1340 to reach Sluys harbour, but found the French fleet blocking his path. The French had chained their ships into three large defensive lines. While manoeuvring against wind and tide, the French fleet became disorganised and entangled, giving the English an opening to attack.
On 24 June 1340, the English fleet of 120–150 ships under Edward III engaged the 230-strong French fleet commanded by Hugues Quiéret and Nicolas Béhuchet in the roadstead off Sluys. The English exploited the French disorder, manoeuvring against individual portions of the fleet, capturing most French ships and inflicting losses of 16,000–20,000 men.
The English victory secured naval supremacy in the English Channel, but England could not translate this into lasting strategic advantage. French raids on English territories and shipping continued largely uninterrupted. Operationally, the battle allowed the English army to land and besiege Tournai, though that siege ultimately failed.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Edward III of England.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hugues Quiéret, Nicolas Béhuchet.