Battle of Lunalonge

In the summer of 1349, in Poitou, Jean de Lille intercepted with about 1,500 men the column of Thomas Coke, some 500 Anglo-Gascon horsemen strong. The fighting went to the tactical advantage of the Anglo-Gascons, who withdrew with their prisoners; but they had to do so on foot, the French having captured most of their mounts. The outcome remained indecisive, and the location of the fight, traditionally placed near Limalonges, is still uncertain.

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.