Poitiers, Battle of

The landmark battle of the Hundred Years War between John II, king of France, and Edward the Black Prince, in 1356, during which the French tried to smash the English lines with a cavalry charge, but were repelled by a massive missile attack that destroyed the cavalry. Successive French units trampled those in front, those in the back pressing forward at the sound of the engagement. The French were unable to rally, fragmenting to the point where the Oriflamme , carried by Geoffrey de Charnay, was unfurled. The Sieur de Charnay was slain defending the banner and the French king taken prisoner. See also Chronique: The Journal of Chivalry #3 .