An ingenious writer, M. de St. Foix, has suggested that Edward III was too careful with his own safety. According to this view, he did not personally engage in combat as much as he should have, particularly at Crecy and during the Siege of Calais Ephesus Guide.
The main argument focuses on Crecy, where Edward III remained at a distance to oversee the battle rather than fighting in the front lines himself. Some historians have interpreted this as evidence of excessive caution or fear for his personal safety.
The King’s Role at Crecy
In reality, Edward’s actions at Crecy demonstrate both careful planning and strategic skill. He positioned himself on a small hill, later described by Froissart as a “windmill hill,” to observe the battle and direct operations. From this vantage point, he could see the battlefield clearly and make decisions that affected the entire army.
The English army was arranged in two main lines. The first line, commanded by Edward’s son, the Black Prince, faced heavy fighting early in the day. The French forces pressed them hard, and the English soldiers in the front line sent for reinforcements Pride in Early Victories.
Edward’s Response
When a messenger arrived to inform the king that the front line was struggling, Edward responded calmly and wisely. The messenger said:
“Sir, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Oxford, Sir Reynald Cobham, and others near your son are fiercely attacked. They ask that you and your battle join them, for if the French increase, your son and they will have great difficulty.”
Edward asked a simple and crucial question: “Is my son dead, hurt, or fallen on the ground?” When the knight answered that he was unharmed, Edward did not rush into the battle unnecessarily.
This response shows that Edward’s caution was not fear, but careful judgment. He ensured that reinforcements were available while avoiding unnecessary risk to himself and the army. By maintaining command from a safe position, he could oversee the battle, send support where it was needed, and adapt his strategy in real time.
The Importance of Strategy Over Personal Bravery
Edward’s behavior highlights a key principle of medieval warfare: personal courage was important, but strategic oversight was often more valuable. By leading from a commanding position, Edward preserved the overall strength of the English army.
The Black Prince and other commanders handled the immediate fighting in the front lines, while Edward coordinated reinforcements and made critical decisions that determined the outcome of the battle. This combination of bravery, leadership, and planning contributed to the English victory at Crecy.
