Battle of Honnecourt

The Battle of Honnecourt from May 26, 1642 brought a Spanish victory over France. It took place near Cambrai in Honnecourt -sur -Escaut.

In this battle the French Champagne Army was under the command of Marshal Antoine III. de Gramont, Comte de Guiche, almost completely wiped out. She lost against a strong opponent twice as three quarters of their men, 3,200 fell in battle, 3,400 were captured, including the commander of Josiah Rantzau. The Spanish victory was complete, and only the caution or the lack of ambition of the Spanish commander Francisco de Melo meant that not a large part of Northern France was devastated by the Spanish army. The campaign Melos fizzled out without major win for Spain.

Twelve months later, Melo lost the Battle of Rocroi, which is considered the beginning of the decline of the Spanish empire today.