Bertrand Du Guesclin - Service in Spain

Service in Spain

In 1366, Bertrand convinced the leaders of the "free companies", who had been pillaging France after the Treaty of Brétigny, to join him in an expedition to Spain to aid Henry of Trastámara against Pedro the Cruel. In 1366, du Guesclin captured many fortresses (Magallon, Briviesca and finally the capital Burgos). But Henry's army was defeated in 1367 by Pedro's forces, now commanded by Edward, the Black Prince, at Nájera. Du Guesclin was again captured, and again ransomed by Charles V, who considered him invaluable. However, the English army suffered badly in the battle as four English soldiers out of five died during the Castilian Campaign. The Black Prince, affected by dysentery, soon withdrew his support from Pedro. Du Guesclin and Henry of Trastámara renewed the attack, defeating him at the decisive Battle of Montiel (1369).

After the battle, Pedro fled to the castle at Monteil, from whence he made contact with du Guesclin, whose army were camped outside. Pedro made an arrangement with du Guesclin; he bribed him to get an escape. Du Guesclin agreed, but also told it to Henry who gave him more money and land promises to lead Pedro to his tent. Once there, after crossed accusations of bastardy the two half-brothers started a fight to death, using daggers because of the narrow space. At a moment when they fought on the floor, Pedro got the upper side and was about to finish Henry. But then Du Guesclin, who had stayed inactive for he was compromised to both, made his final choice. He grabbed Pedro´s ankle and turned him belly-up, thus allowing Henry to stab Pedro to death and gain the throne of Castile. While turning Pedro down, du Guesclin is claimed to have said "Ni quito ni pongo rey, pero ayudo a mi señor" (I neither put nor remove a King, but I help my Master), which has since that moment become a common phrase in Spanish, to be used by anyone of lesser rank who does what he is ordered or expected to do, avoiding any concern about the justice or injustice of such action, and declining any responsibility.

Bertrand was made Duke of Molina, and the Franco-Castllian alliance was sealed.