Originally posted by Agelastus
Quite an impressive feat, since he had been dead for eight years! The English troops were actually provided by John of Gaunt, at that point a claimant to the Castilian throne. Which in itself was partially related to the interminable "Hundred Years War" then occurring between England and France.
I've also never heard that the majority deserted, although I have found a reference to the "good service" provided by the longbowmen-but then it's difficult finding a good description of Aljubarrota in English.
Quite right, he was dead for eight years. But the troops were sent by the terms of the Treaty of Westminister in 1373, which was thought exactly to fight off spanish invasions of Portugal, in the context of the 100 Years War. Although John of Gaunt was the only one that actually sent in troops, I suppose one can say Edward III was the true force behind their arrival. But you're absolutely right, i'ts just me that am used to think about Edward III.
(I debated this 'true force' behind the english troops over here a few years ago, and the idea kinda stuck to my head).
Oh, the english desertion is well remembered here. The more so because the english troops quickly resorted to pillage to support themselves and devastated a pretty large area of Alentejo, forcing our forces to hunt them for the next few years and preventing us from concentrating our forces in Castille. Indeed, perhaps THAT is because Edward III never sent in troops during his lifetime: maybe he knew just how unreliable the english were.
And it is true that we sided with England in that war (D.João married Philippa of Lancaster, and all out next kings were Lancastrian), while Castille was aligned with the French (hence the presence of the french knights in the castillian army, who were actually responsible of its defeat, as they charged us without orders and made sure the castillian ranks had to follow suit in extremely adverse conditions, in order to try to extricate the french cavalry from the mess they had entangled themselves on).
Indeed, I cant help thinking the french knights were more of a detriment than an aid to France in the War...
Oh, and if you think finding a description of Aljubarrota in English is difficult, try it in spanish - their usual reply is «what is Aljubarrota?»
Regards,
Keoland
