As the battle unfolded, the French marshals’ forces faced serious difficulties. Many of their horses panicked under the hail of arrows, falling on their own men, which created a crushing press in the ranks. This chaos made it impossible for the marshals’ battle to reach the Black Prince, who remained well-positioned behind his archers. Some well-mounted knights and squires attempted to break through to the prince, but they could not pass the disciplined English line of archers Sightseeing Tour Ephesus.
Sir James Audley’s Bravery
At the front of the English forces, Sir James Audley, accompanied by his four loyal squires, displayed remarkable courage. He fought directly under the prince’s banner, leading the charge against the French knights. Audley engaged Sir Arnold d’Andrehen in fierce combat. The two knights battled for a long time, with Audley demonstrating great skill and strength, ultimately putting Sir Arnold under heavy pressure.
Although Sir Arnold was eventually taken prisoner, it was not by Audley or his squires, as they remained engaged in combat, continuing to fight relentlessly. Audley did not stop to take prisoners but pressed forward, striking fear into his enemies with his bravery.
The Fall of Lord John of Clermont
On the French side, Lord John of Clermont fought valiantly under his own banner. However, the chaos and relentless attack of the English archers and men-at-arms overwhelmed him. He was defeated and killed on the battlefield, without chance of relief or ransom. Some observers noted that his death might have been connected to his earlier dispute with Sir John Chandos the day before Sir James Audley and the Courage of the English Knights.
The French Lines Collapse
Within a short time, the marshals’ battle fell into complete disorder. Soldiers and knights collided with one another in the confusion, unable to advance. Behind them, French forces who had not yet entered the fight began to retreat or become stuck, creating gaps in their lines.
The Duke of Normandy’s infantry, heavily packed on foot, now faced pressure from both the collapsing marshals’ forces and the English counterattacks. As the French realized the marshals’ battle was defeated, many mounted knights mounted their horses and tried to flee, seeking any escape they could find.
English Reinforcements Strike
At the critical moment, a force of English cavalry, supported by archers, descended from a nearby hill. They struck the side of the Duke of Normandy’s battle, breaking the French formation further. The combination of discipline, archery, and well-timed cavalry maneuvers allowed the English to dominate the battlefield despite being outnumbered.