The Battle of Sluys (1340)

On 24 July 1340, the English fleet defeated the French in the Scheldt estuary in the Netherlands near Sluys harbour. It was the first major battle of the 100 Years War. Edward III commanded his fleet from his ship 'Cog Thomas'. The battle lasted from the early morning until after dark. Almost the entire French fleet was destroyed. Only 30 ships could escape during the night, whereas more than 200 were captured. The greatest mistake of the French commanders was their order to chain their ships together. The English had no difficulty in setting them afire. After Sluys Philip VI had no possibility to threaten the English with his maritime force.