Edward III landed a large army, sacked Caen, and marched through northern France while trying to link with Flemish allies. Rivers and coastal access helped the English maintain supply despite French scorched-earth measures, explaining why the campaign kept moving. When an engagement became unavoidable, Edward occupied ground ill-suited to cavalry in the prevailing weather. Philip VI nevertheless accepted battle, and Crécy killed a large part of the French nobility at far lower English cost. The sequence connects logistics and terrain selection to the contrast between Edward's operational preparation and Philip's weaker martial judgment.
Chapter · 30:18-34:03
Crécy rewards coastal supply and defensive terrain
Edward sustains his advance through coastal and river supply, then lets Philip VI attack ground that blunts French cavalry.