The True Chronicles of Jean le Bel Volume 2 Chapters 61-109 1342-1361

The Chronicle of Jean le Bel, Volume 2 continues one of the most important fourteenth-century accounts of the early Hundred Years’ War. Written by the Liège chronicler Jean le Bel, this vivid narrative follows the fortunes of Edward III, Jean II of France, the Black Prince, the great nobles of France and England, and the soldiers, captains and companies who shaped the conflict. This volume covers some of the most dramatic events of the period, including the battles of Crécy and Poitiers, the siege and capture of Calais, the captivity of King John, the rise of the Jacquerie, the turmoil in Paris under Étienne Marcel and Charles of Navarre, the devastation caused by the free companies, Edward III’s great campaign of 1359–1360, and the negotiations leading to the Treaty of Brétigny. Jean le Bel’s chronicle is especially valuable for its lively detail, its interest in chivalry, warfare, politics and reputation, and its influence on later chroniclers, most famously Froissart. This English translation presents the text in clear, readable British English while preserving the force and character of the original narrative. The translation includes extensive notes to help the reader better understand Jean le Bel's text. Volume 2 also includes translated appendices drawn from royal and administrative records, many from the English Record Office, which illuminate Edward III’s campaigns in Brittany, the siege and occupation of Calais, naval preparations, military finance, appointments, safe conducts and related affairs.

Available at Amazon in eBook and Paperback format.

Battle of Spion Kop

Battle of Spion Kop is in Boer War, Spion Kop.

Between 20th January 1900 and 24th January 1900 General Buller [aged 60] with 30,000 men under his command attempted to capture Scion Kop hill as a step towards relieving Ladysmith. On the night of 23 January in heavy mist the British launched an attack on what they thought was Spion Kop, but it turned out to be a smaller mound some 500 m from the main peak. The following day there was bloody fighting as the British tried to force their way to the top of the main peak. By nightfall both sides thought that the other had taken the hill, so they abandoned their positions and it was only once a Boer scout realised the situation that the Boers retook the hill and the British withdrew back across the Tugela.

John Spencer Cavendish [aged 24] was present.

On 23 and 24th January 1900 the Battle of Spion Kop was fought between British and Boer forces.

Robert Calverley Bewicke fought.

On 24th January 1900 Lieutenant Neville Windsor Hill-Trevor [aged 31] was killed in action at the battle of Battle of Spion Kop serving with the 2nd Life Guards of Thornycroft's Mounted Infantry.

On 24th January 1900 Hugh Stewart McCorquodale [aged 24] was killed in action at the Battle of Spion Kop.

Hugh Stewart McCorquodale: On 18th August 1875 he was born to George McCorquodale and Emily Sanderson at Miningsby, Kirkcudbrightshire.