Q&A · 1:07:18-1:08:11

How large were the fleets at Sluys?

The French had roughly 400 vessels against 213 English ships, but many French hulls carried invasion supplies rather than a pure fighting load.

Question

What do the casualty figures suggest about crew sizes and the strength of the two fleets?

Short answer

The French had many more ships, but comparable fighting strength is plausible because their invasion fleet also carried large quantities of supplies.

Notes

The estimates imply about fifty French deaths per ship from a force of roughly 400 vessels, with crews perhaps numbering sixty to seventy. Edward's fleet contained about 213 ships and may therefore have fielded broadly comparable fighting manpower. The French numerical advantage in hulls was diluted because they were an invasion fleet carrying supplies, while the English arrived configured for battle. Distinguishing hull count from deployable fighters explains how Edward's smaller fleet could achieve a local manpower balance.