Battle of Saint-Omer - Aftermath

Aftermath

When the morning came the full extent of the disaster which had befallen his reserve became apparent to Robert. Having failed to capture the town or defeat the French force in open battle, he knew there was no choice but to abandon the campaign before Philip's superior army cut him off from Flanders. Abandoning all that could not be rapidly carried, Robert returned to Edward's army, having kept his best units intact and claiming at least a partial victory. On the field behind him he had left over 8,000 Flemish soldiers killed, a casualty list several times that of the French who lost only a handful. The very high figure was caused primarily by the rout of the untrained Flemish reserves at the rear of the battleline. The battle had few long-lasting consequences as the main forces of both sides were still battle worthy and the strategic situation remained unchanged. There were three short term significant effects however; morale amongst the Flemish portions in Edward's army collapsed, causing great problems within his force which would eventually shake apart over arguments over payment and confidence in its general. Secondly, Southern Flanders was now undefended as the men intended for this purpose were now dead outside Saint-Omer and thus French cavalry were free to conduct raids into the area and create havoc in the rear of Edward's forces causing further morale and supply problems. Thirdly, the towns which had suffered especially badly such as Ypres, Bruges and some elements of the burgers of Ghent made peace overtures towards Philip, undermining English support in major Flemish centres or supply and recruitment. Edward was undeterred by any of this in his aim of invading Northern France and shortly afterwards departed his positions at Ghent and marched to unsuccessfully besiege Tournai.