Battle of Rocroi

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Article abstract: Type of action: Ground battle in the Thirty Years’ War. Result: French rout of a Spanish army on French territory.

A Spanish army invaded northern France from the Spanish Netherlands and met a French army in the open farmland by the small fortified town of Rocroi. On May 18, 1643, the Spanish, under Francisco de Melo, formed into tercios, a formation that was no longer used by most continental armies. Approximately 8,000 of Melo’s soldiers were experienced Spanish soldiers. These he formed into the first line facing the enemy. The...

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