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About Deborah Durham
Expertise
I would be happy to take on questions on the period between 300 B.C.E and A.D. 1200. I would prefer not to answer specific questions on philosophers nor Greek culture.

Experience
I have a degree in History, with cognates in Western Civilization, Art and Museum Studies. A part-time employee at a regional museum, as well as unpaid assistant to a professor of Anthropology. My pen and ink sketches of artifacts excavated on an archaeological dig, in which I participated, are part of a report to the Huron-Manastee Forest Service(I have travelled Europe ( My own heritage is British-Carribean), and have an extensive home library.

Organizations
Education/Credentials
I have a degree in History, with additional credits in related as well as other topics.

Awards and Honors
Deans List,
Phi Theta Kappa

You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Medieval History > Medieval History > Henry V French Invasion Strategy

Medieval History - Henry V French Invasion Strategy

Expert: Deborah Durham - 10/27/2009

Question
Hi - Lots written about Harfleur/Agincourt - but i can't find why a)he chose to go for Harfleur in the first place - why not land at Calais and go from there - and b)Why with a sick, undersupplied army did he take off for Calais at the end of the campaigning season? He must have known the French would try to intercept and the his army was not in good condition.
Whilst all credit for Agincourt, the strategy that got him there is less than clear. Can you clarify - military genius - or just lucky?

Answer
A bit of both I think. At the start, Henry V strategy was more a raid in force rather than a one of conquest; his army was large, well equipped and well provisioned. However, at Calais, the use of the longbow and expertise in hand to had combat by the English helped greatly in winning the war, despite the reduced army.
I'm not clear why he chose Harfleur over Calais. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful there. Deb

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