February 12 in Military History — On This Day

Battle of the Herrings

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.

The Battle of the Herrings seemed to confirm that England's hold on France was unbreakable. French morale collapsed to its nadir. It was precisely this despair that made the arrival of Joan of Arc weeks later so electrifying — her mission began in the darkest hour of the French cause.

Full battle details →

⚔️📍 Rouvray, France1429

Battle of the Herrings — Hundred Years' War

English forces under Sir John Fastolf repelled a French and Scottish attack on a supply convoy carrying food (including herring) to the English besieging Orléans. The attackers failed to capture the wagons despite numerical superiority.

The failed attack deepened French demoralization, but news of the defeat reached Joan of Arc and steeled her resolve to relieve Orléans — which she did three months later.

Outcome

English victory — supply convoy reaches Orléans