The Failed English Assault on Île de Ré
On July 12, 1627, an English expedition led by George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham landed on the French island of Île de Ré during the Anglo-French War. The mission aimed to support the Huguenots of La Rochelle, who were resisting the growing power of King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. What began as a bold military campaign quickly turned into a costly struggle against determined French resistance.
After three months of fierce fighting, the English forces were forced to retreat. Poor coordination, strong French defenses, and heavy casualties doomed the expedition, with around 4,000 of the 7,000 troops lost. The defeat damaged Buckingham’s reputation and became a major setback for England’s efforts to influence the religious and political conflicts of France.