20. A Muddy Debacle
The French charge at Agincourt wallowed to a halt, and a throng of disorganized French-milled about in front of the English positions. They were attacked, and within minutes, the entire first wave was killed or captured. A second French wave attacked, but was beaten back. While this was going on, King Henry received mistaken reports that he was being attacked in the rear. Judging that he lacked the men to guard thousands of prisoners, Henry ordered the captives executed. By the time he learned the reports were erroneous and ordered a halt to the executions, about 2000 prisoners had been massacred.
The French sent in their third and final wave, but it was also repulsed. Henry then ordered his small contingent of knights to mount up and charge the French, who, thoroughly demoralized by now, were routed. Estimated losses were about 600 English killed versus 10,000 French dead on the field of battle, plus another 2000 executed prisoners.
