Battle of Cassel (1328)

The Battle of Cassel was born on August 23, 1328 between King Philip VI. discharged from France and the rebellious Flemings under the leadership of Nicolaas Zannekins. The battlefield was located near the town of Cassel, 30 kilometers south of Dunkirk in today's French department of Nord. The result of the battle was a decisive victory of the king who brought the County of Flanders under French control.

Campaign and battle

The French attempted to weaken the Flemish troops in by looking for an advance along the river Leie the cities of Lille and Tournai threatened and forced their opponents out to defend them.

The French army made near the Abbey of Waasten maintenance. The 15,000 -strong Flemish army was about four kilometers away on a hill at Cassel. For three days, could not be brought about the decision, as it is not the French managed to dislodge the Flemings from its strategically advantageous position on the hill. On August 23, the French settlement some villages in the area on fire to lure the opponent down.

As the Flemings did not move, the French withdrew to their camp to find shelter from the hot summer days. Zannekin sought the surprise attack and now attacked with two divisions, the French camp, held a third division in reserve. Of the attacking units Flemish scored only led by Zannekin some success, the attack of the other was stopped and then even attacked in the back of French soldiers who returned from their arson. As the French had overcome the surprise, their counter attack was a complete success. Around 3200 Flemings fell, including Zannekin.