The Battle of Sluys in 1340 was a major naval battle during the Hundred Years’ War. It was also a tragic defeat for the French. The French outnumbered the English and had better warships. However, their tactics caused complete and utter defeat.

English
King Edward
150 Ships, mostly Cogs

French
Huges Quieret
230 Ships, mostly Galleys

A cog was a single-masted warship. The English did not have a purpose-built military navy at the time; instead, they would seize shipping cogs and retrofit them with wooden ‘castles’ for war. The French took their experience sailing the Mediterranean using agile shallow-drafted galleys and put them to work in the English Channel.

During the battle, the English could use their superior longbows to wreak havoc on the French Galley. Because the French chained their ships together, they were essentially immovable. The Cog’s height also prevented any significant boarding actions from the French.

Wargame

For Use with the Baron’s War or Other Medieval Skirmish Game
2 or 3 Players
Forces Needed: 20 or 30 English Archers and 15 Men at Arms, 40 French Crossbows and 60 Men at Arms

Terrain- A couple of large galleys capable of holding half the French forces, a cog capable of carrying the English. The cog should be higher than the galleys, and there should be some way for the French to assault the Cog.

Objective
French board and seize the Cog, English, destroy the French.

My Paint skills were on point for this one……..

Set-Up

One of the two galleys should be positioned attacking the English Cog and preparing to board, the other should be moving slowly to engage.

Special Rules
The English longbows should be able to shoot farther and faster than French Crossbows.