The Battle of Poitiers: Sir John Hawkwood, Mercenary Captain Extraordinaire

The Battle of Poitiers was a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years' War, and Sir John Hawkwood played a key role in the English victory. Hawkwood was a mercenary captain who had fought in wars all over Europe, and his experience and skill were invaluable to the English army. In this article, we will explore Hawkwood's life and career, and his impact on the Battle of Poitiers.

Man at Arms: The Battle of Poitiers (Sir John Hawkwood Book 2)

by Griff Hosker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3409 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Hawkwood's Early Life and Career

John Hawkwood was born in Sible Hedingham, Essex, England, in the early 1320s. He was the son of a tanner, and he received a basic education. As a young man, Hawkwood joined the English army and fought in the Hundred Years' War. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the 1340s, he was a captain of a mercenary company.

Hawkwood's mercenary company fought in wars all over Europe. He fought for the English in France, for the Papacy in Italy, and for various other factions in Germany and Spain. Hawkwood's company was known for its skill and discipline, and he became one of the most respected mercenary captains in Europe.

The Battle of Poitiers

In 1356, the English army under the command of Edward the Black Prince invaded France. The French army, led by King John II, intercepted the English at Poitiers. The French army was much larger than the English army, but Hawkwood's mercenary company played a key role in the English victory.

Hawkwood's company was positioned in the center of the English line. When the French cavalry charged, Hawkwood's company held its ground, and it helped to break the French charge. Hawkwood's company then pursued the fleeing French cavalry, and it helped to secure the English victory.

Hawkwood's Later Career

After the Battle of Poitiers, Hawkwood continued to serve as a mercenary captain. He fought in wars in Italy, Germany, and Spain. He also served as a military advisor to the Pope. Hawkwood died in Florence, Italy, in 1394.

Hawkwood's Legacy

Sir John Hawkwood was one of the most successful mercenary captains in European history. He fought in wars all over Europe, and he played a key role in the English victory at the Battle of Poitiers. Hawkwood's legacy as a military commander is still studied today.

Man at Arms: The Battle of Poitiers (Sir John Hawkwood Book 2)

by Griff Hosker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3409 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE