Battle of Dunkirk

Franco-Burgundian forces intercept Flemish and English troops near Dunkirk during an expedition launched by the Bishop of Norwich as part of a crusade against partisans of the Avignon pope. The battle turns in favor of the French after a decisive charge of heavy cavalry.

France, loyal to the Avignon pope, confronted an English crusade led by the Bishop of Norwich, who supported the Roman pope. Flemish militias, still in revolt against their count, joined the English. The Battle of Dunkirk was a direct French response to secure the coast and crush the rebellion. In spring 1383, Bishop Henry Despenser of Norwich landed at Calais with his troops; aided by Ghent, he won the Battle of Dunkirk, then took Cassel, Nieuwpoort, and Diksmuide before besieging Ypres from 8 June.

Deployment in depth, use of the crossbow to disorganize enemy infantry, cavalry breakthrough on the English left flank, progressive disintegration of non-professional militias.

Defeat of the English crusade, enemy withdrawal, and reinforcement of the Franco-Avignon position in the Western Schism. Dunkirk remained under the control of the Count of Flanders, allied to the French crown. The English retreat in early August, faced with a new Franco-Burgundian army relieving Ypres, worsened the Ghent rebels' situation; a general truce was concluded on 26 January 1384, shortly before the death of Count Louis II of Flanders and the succession of Philip the Bold.