The Navarrese-French Counteroffensive Gains Momentum (October 1512)

By October 1512, John III of Navarre, with support from France, launched a full-scale counteroffensive to retake his kingdom from Ferdinand II of Aragon’s occupying forces. This counterattack, reinforced by French and German troops, put Castilian forces under severe pressure, forcing them into a defensive retreat.

The Second Expedition: The Duke of Longueville’s Army

• A second French-Navarrese army, commanded by the Duke of Longueville, was assembled with:
  • 8,000 Gascons (light infantry from Gascony, skilled in skirmishing).
  • 1,000 Navarrese loyalists.
  • 1,500 Landsknechts, elite German mercenary pikemen.
  • Corresponding artillery, bringing siege cannons to counter Castilian fortifications.

Victory at the Battle of Ainhize (October 19, 1512)

• Setting out from Peyrehorade, the army crossed into Navarre, engaging Castilian forces at Ainhize.
• On October 19, 1512, Longueville’s forces decisively defeated the Castilian troops, forcing them into retreat.

Strategic Movements in the Pyrenees

• A third Navarrese-French column advanced south across the Pyrenees from Roncal (Erronkari), reaching Burgui.
• Another Navarrese column marched from Salazar, heading toward Pamplona, threatening to cut off Castilian reinforcements from the south.

The Duke of Alba’s Tactical Withdrawal

• Fearing his communication lines with Pamplona were at risk, Ferdinand’s commander, the Duke of Alba, decided to withdraw to the capital.
• However, before retreating, he left a well-equipped Castilian detachment in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, ensuring a defensive stronghold in Lower Navarre.

Significance of the Counteroffensive

• Navarre’s counterattack marked a major turning point, proving that the kingdom was not yet fully conquered.
• The French-backed forces had recaptured key strongholds, forcing Castile into a defensive posture.
• The Duke of Alba’s retreat showed that Castile’s hold over Navarre was fragile, increasing hopes for full Navarrese restoration.

However, despite these early victories, the war was not over, and Ferdinand II of Aragon was unlikely to relinquish Navarre without a final fight. The next phase of the campaign would determine Navarre’s ultimate fate.