February 12, 1429 · Loire Valley Theater
February 12, 1429
Named for its unglamorous cargo, this engagement saw English commander John Fastolf escorting a supply convoy of salt herring to the besieging forces at Orléans. A Franco-Scottish force intercepted the convoy near Rouvray. Fastolf, outnumbered, formed a defensive laager of supply wagons studded with sharpened stakes and repulsed the attackers with longbow fire — essentially repeating the Agincourt formula on a smaller scale. The French and Scottish cavalry were routed. The herrings reached Orléans.
Commanders