Scottish Reinforcements Arrive in France: Buchan and Douglas Strengthen the Dauphin’s Cause (1424)

At the beginning of 1424, John Stewart, Earl of Buchan, returned to France with 6,500 additional Scottish troops to bolster the French Dauphin Charles VII’s forces against the Anglo-Burgundian alliance. Accompanying him was Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas, one of Scotland’s most powerful noblemen, bringing military expertise and political weight to the Scottish intervention in France.

I. Composition of the Scottish Reinforcements

• The army totaled 6,500 men, consisting of:
  • 2,500 men-at-arms (heavily armored cavalry and foot soldiers).
  • 4,000 longbowmen, renowned for their skill in warfare.
• This was a significant reinforcement, as the Scottish-French alliance had already been pivotal at the Battle of Baugé (1421), where the Scots inflicted England’s first major defeat since Agincourt.

II. Arrival at Bourges and the Boost to the Dauphin’s Cause (April 24, 1424)

• On April 24, 1424, the Scottish army entered Bourges, where they were received at the Dauphin’s court.
• Their arrival raised the spirits of Charles VII, who had been struggling to maintain resistance against the English forces led by John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford.
• The reinforcements gave Charles VII renewed confidence, reinforcing the Franco-Scottish military cooperation.

III. The Importance of Buchan and Douglas in the War

• John Stewart, Earl of Buchan, had already proven himself a capable leader at Baugé, and his return signaled Scotland’s ongoing commitment to the French cause.
• Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas, was among the most influential nobles in Scotland, lending prestige and leadership to the campaign.
• Their presence strengthened Franco-Scottish military operations, paving the way for further engagements against the English.

IV. Consequences and the Next Phase of the War

• The Scottish troops would soon engage the English again, leading to the Battle of Verneuil (August 17, 1424)—a brutal confrontation that would test the resilience of the Franco-Scottish alliance.
• The Dauphin’s forces were now reinforced, making him more capable of resisting the English advance.

The arrival of Buchan and Douglas in France in 1424 reinforced Scotland’s commitment to the French cause, giving Charles VII the military support needed to continue his struggle against the English occupation of France.