Battle of Lunalonge

A small local battle in Saintonge: a French force tried to intercept an English raiding convoy but fell into a well-prepared ambush. Near Limalonges, Jean de Lille (~1,500 men) intercepted Thomas Coke (~500 Anglo-Gascons); the French held the advantage by day but lost their horses when captured.

After losing many strongholds, the English multiplied raids in Poitou and Saintonge. A well-placed ambush by Thomas Coke led to a clear French defeat. The battle formed part of a series of Anglo-Gascon raids in western Gascony in summer 1349, as Jean de Lille besieged Lusignan.

English ambush in wooded, open terrain; archers weakened French cavalry before the charge. The French approached in three cavalry bodies; the Anglo-Gascons descended a hill, used their lances, and encircled the enemy. The third French body did not engage and withdrew at nightfall.

Another loss of prestige for the French in the west. The battle illustrates English tactical superiority even in minor engagements. The Anglo-Gascons, after the French withdrawal, reached Lusignan with their prisoners, including Boucicaut; ~300 French were killed and many more captured.