Courtrai, Battle of

July, 1302. The French chivalry under the Count of Flanders engaged a large force of lowland footsoldiers armed with a kind of halberd called a godendang, having prepared their defensive position in advance by digging pits in front of the expected French charge. The French sent their own footsoldiers ahead, but soon grew impatient as the battle proved indecisive, riding down their own men only to be themselves cut down in the confusion.&nbsp