Battle of Crécy — English Longbows Devastate French Cavalry

Edward III's army defeats Philip VI's much larger French force near Crécy-en-Ponthieu, demonstrating the lethal superiority of English longbowmen over armored cavalry. Approximately 1,500 French knights and 10,000 soldiers are killed while English losses are minimal. The battle shatters French military prestige and opens the way for the English siege and capture of Calais.