26. One of the Medieval Era’s Most Lopsided Victories
When the French came upon King Henry V at Agincourt, their commander ordered his first wave of mounted knights to charge. However, the muddy fields, the weight of the French knights’ heavy armor, the rows of sharpened stakes in their path, and the rain of arrows spelled trouble. The charge wallowed to a halt, and a throng of disorganized French-milled about in front of the English positions. They were attacked, and within minutes, the entire first wave was killed or captured. A second French wave attacked but was beaten back. While this was going on, Henry received mistaken reports that he was being attacked in the rear.
Judging that he lacked the men to guard thousands of prisoners, Henry ordered the captives executed. By the time he learned that the reports were wrong, and ordered a halt to the executions, about 2000 prisoners had been massacred. The French sent in their third and final wave, but it was also beaten back. Henry then ordered his own small contingent of knights to mount up and charge the French. Thoroughly demoralized by now, the French were routed. Estimated losses were about 600 English killed vs 10,000 French dead on the field of battle, plus another 2000 executed French prisoners.