Siege of Aiguillon

The Siege of Aiguillon: A Turning Point in the Hundred Years’ War

Imagine a pivotal moment in history where two powerful armies faced off, each determined to claim victory over the other. This is exactly what happened during the siege of Aiguillon, which began on April 1, 1346. The French army, led by John, Duke of Normandy, laid siege to this crucial Gascon town, while an Anglo-Gascon force under Ralph, Earl of Stafford, defended it with all their might.

The Strategic Importance of Aiguillon

Aiguillon is a place that commands both the Rivers Garonne and Lot. Its strategic location made it a vital stronghold for Gascony. The town was not just any fortress; it was a gateway to controlling the region, much like a key in a lock. Could Duke John’s army truly hold this position against all odds?

The French Offensive

With an army of 15,000-20,000 men, the French marched down the valley of the Garonne, their goal clear: to break through and secure Aiguillon. But Duke John’s efforts were hindered by his own indecision. Why did he refuse to break off the siege when faced with such overwhelming odds? Was it a matter of pride or strategy?

The Anglo-Gascon Defense

Meanwhile, Henry, Earl of Lancaster, had sent 2,000 men and resources to Gascony in 1345. However, his efforts were not enough to break the deadlock. The garrison of around 900 men sortied repeatedly to harass French operations, but their actions only delayed the inevitable. Could Lancaster have done more? Was there a way to turn the tide?

The Fall and Aftermath

By July, the French supply system had broken down, and they abandoned the siege on August 20. But this was not the end of their troubles. Six days later, the French were decisively beaten in the Battle of Crécy. Two weeks after that, Duke John’s army joined the French survivors, marking a significant shift in the war.

The Impact on Gascony

Before the war, Gascony relied heavily on imports due to English encroachments. Bordeaux was possibly richer than London but faced financial difficulties. The war marked significant changes for this region, which had been at the heart of the conflict. In 1339, French forces besieged Bordeaux but were repulsed. The border between English and French territory in Gascony was unclear, with many landholders owning separate estates and fortifications constructed at transport choke points.

The Siege Tactics

Duke John of Normandy assembled a large army at Orléans to besiege La Réole but Lancaster had garrisoned it strongly. The French planned to capture Aiguillon, but this was essential for any army’s supply lines, making the English position secure. There were two small forts within the town, protected by the Lot and Garonne rivers. The northern wall was protected by the Lot, while the western wall was protected by the Garonne.

The French Strategy

The French armies assembled early in March and marched to the siege site. They isolated the town but faced difficulties in interdicting it due to the junction of the two rivers. To overcome this, Duke John constructed a new bridge over the Garonne with 300 carpenters and 1400 crossbowmen escorting them. The French army dug impressive earthworks, but were eventually able to launch an attack on La Réole in mid-June.

The Outcome

The French attempted to pass two large supply barges down the Lot, but the garrison sortied from the fortified bridge and captured them. The siege continued with the Anglo-Gascons being able to run the blockade at will with small quantities of supplies and reinforcements. In July, a larger force fought its way through with a greater quantity of supplies, and the French concentrated their efforts against the southern side of the defenses.

The Final Days

An attack on July 1345 was abandoned after one of three siege towers was hit by an English trebuchet, capsizing it and causing heavy loss. Duke John became fixated on holding out against the French, taking great personal risk in doing so. The English captured Bajamont and conducted raids on French lines of communication, weakening the French army’s ability to supply their forces at Aiguillon. The French were starved, suffering from dysentery and desertion as a result.

The Retreat

Meanwhile, Edward III assembled an army for northern France or Flanders but was scattered in a storm; he regrouped and landed 7,000-10,000 troops near Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. They pillaged their way across northern France, capturing and sacking towns, destroying the French navy, and forcing Philip VI to recall his army from Gascony. On August 20, after five months, the French abandoned their siege and marched away in haste and disorder, leaving behind equipment and supplies that were captured by local levies who promptly deserted.

The French army was pursued closely by Stafford’s garrison and other local Anglo-Gascon forces, capturing some of Duke John’s personal baggage. Meanwhile, Duke John made contact with Philip VI on September 7 and launched three offensives between then and November, taking control of major strongholds in the Bazadais region and raiding deep into Quercy. Lancaster also led a grand chevauchée to the north, capturing Poitiers and many towns and castles throughout Saintonge and Aunis.