Forces mustered through April and May of 1205 - John unwilling to lose continental possessions permenantly. Preparation - said to be more excessive than Richard's prep for the Third Crusade.
However John did not embark and it was cancelled.
One reason for this- lack of support from English barons. Lacked will to to join him - politically risky to go w/o them - could potentially lose England.
Refusal to support John - sign of future tensions. William Marshal- opposed out of self interest- swore oath to Philip in 1204.
Reinforcements that were sent only managed to relieve and reinforce garrison at La Rochelle. Led by John's half brother, earl of Salisbury.
Chinon forced to surrender at Easter. Loches surrendered by end of June 1205.
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Poitou Campaign, 1206
Smaller expedition than Portsmouth. However, accompanied by a lot of his barons - indicates he learned to court their support.
Landed at La Rochelle June 1206.
Small-scale raids conducted from the city which raised his visibility. Captured (allegedly) impregnable castle at Montauban. Aug - raiding into Berry.
Regained support of Aimery of Thouars - advanced into Anjou to borders of Maine - forced to turn back as Philip mustered an army.
Two-year truce arranged.
Despite limited resources, John made impressive gains. Poitou and much of Aquitaine, eg. Gascony, returned to his allegiance.
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Battle of Damme, 1213
Successful in 1206, but 7 years passed before a conflict between Philip and John - problems w/ Church, Scotland, Ireland & Wales and English barons distracted him.
Spring 1213 - Philip II ordered son Louis to prepare invasion of England.
30th May 1213 - John and Flemish allies assembled a fleet of 500 ships against the French at Damme. Led by earl of Salisbury. Caught French off-guard and managed to capture/ destroy most of their fleet.
Significant - prevented French invasion of England & made John's invasion in 1214 possible.
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