Battle of Mauron

A pitched engagement near Saintes between French forces led by Jean de Clermont and English troops occupying the region. The battle turns in favor of the French after a decisive cavalry charge.

In December 1342, the Battle of Vannes represented a bloody and indecisive episode of the War of the Succession of Brittany, ending with diplomatic mediation imposed by the European powers alarmed by the intensity of the conflict. The fighting pitted the French and Breton troops of Charles of Blois (around 4,000 men) against the English and Montfortist forces (around 3,000 men) commanded by Robert of Artois and Walter Manny. Vannes, an important strategic city in the Duchy of Brittany, was besieged by the English who were trying to seize it to strengthen their positions. Charles of Blois launches a counter-offensive to lift the siege and retake the city. The fighting was exceptionally intense, characterized by repeated frontal assaults by the French against the English entrenched positions. The English resisted with determination, using their archers and infantry to repel the attacks. The engagement degenerated into a prolonged and confused melee, with heavy losses on both sides. A crucial event occurs during the fighting: Robert of Artois, experienced leader of the English forces and a former banished French nobleman, is mortally wounded. His death represents a significant loss for the English camp. The fighting continued until papal mediation, supported by the kings of France and England themselves, imposed a ceasefire and a diplomatic truce. This external intervention reflects the concern of the European powers about the escalation of the conflict and their desire to avoid a generalization of the war.

Attempt at reconquest led by Charny on a starving Calais, caught red-handed by the English garrison following a betrayal.