The battle began in mid-afternoon, but the Flemish allies did not intervene until evening, after the English were visibly winning. Their attack from behind trapped the French between two forces while the chains prevented an orderly retreat. Fighting continued into the next day, though a small group of galleys and other vessels managed to escape. The conspicuous delay helps explain Edward III's later distrust of Flemish assurances even though their intervention completed the victory.
Chapter · 51:14-54:37
The Flemish intervention completed the encirclement
After waiting for the English advantage to become clear, Flemish forces struck the French rear and removed any remaining escape.