Edward III's Raid on Normandy

Timeline

1. 1346Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue · MancheEdward III crossed from England with about 15,000 troops and landed near Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue in Normandy. He quickly pushed inland, using cavalry and light troops to strike scattered French garrisons while destroying villages and monasteries to intimidate the area and gather supplies.
2. 1346Caen · CalvadosThe English captured the important Norman city of Caen, taking large quantities of booty and prisoners for ransom. The expedition then continued ravaging eastward, destroying the economic resources of northern France while deliberately avoiding strong fortresses to maintain mobility. Philip VI was forced to gather armies from the direction of Paris but initially struggled to bring the English to battle.
3. 1346Lower Seine to Picardy · PicardyAfter crossing the Seine the English continued north, approaching the outskirts of Paris before turning toward the Somme. The French finally caught up and forced a battle near Crécy. The Normandy raid achieved its strategic aims through destruction and diversion: weakening France's war resources, striking morale, and drawing the French onto a battlefield favorable to the English position.