The Saber and Scroll Journal Volume 6, Issue 1, Winter 2017 | Page 11

Figure 2. A. Mary F. Robinson, A short history of France from Caesar’s invasion
to the Battle of Waterloo, 1918. Internet Archive Book Images
the French signalled that they had the measure of Henry VI, in whose veins they
ascertained did not run the blood of The Black Prince or that of his father, Henry
V. Nor when the French began preparations for the invasion of Normandy was
anything done by Henry VI, for politics at the court of England were now taking
precedence over the defense of the English dominions of France. A small army
was hastily assembled and sent over under the command of Sir Thomas Kyriell in
1450. On the way to battle at Formigny, the city folk of Carentan engaged the
English rearguard in waist deep water and the French assailed the English with an
almost rudimentary form of partisan warfare. 11 Such a brazen action alone speaks
volumes of the decline of English influence and the rise of perhaps a French
consciousness. Kyriell seemingly had the battle won when another French column
showed up, and in contrast to times past where the French showed unwillingness
to give battle, charged. The English army died to nearly the last man. And, with
11