The ranks of both parties were soon broken in the darkness, and the combatants separating into groups a number of separate battles raged around the different banners.
For some hours the fight was continued with unabating obstinacy on both sides.

The king and the Black Prince fought with immense bravery, their example encouraging even those of their soldiers who were ignorant of the personality of the knights who were everywhere in front of the combat.

King Edward himself several times crossed swords with the famous Eustace de Ribaumont, one of the most gallant knights in France.

At length towards daybreak the king, with only thirty companions, found himself again opposed to De Ribaumont with a greatly superior force, and the struggle was renewed between them.
Twice the king was beaten down on one knee by the thundering blows of the French knight, twice he rose and renewed the attack, until De Charny, seeing Sir Walter Manny's banner, beside which Edward fought, defended by so small a force, also bore down to the attack, and in the struggle Edward was separated from his opponent.
The combat now became desperate round the king, and Sir Guy Brian, who bore De Manny's standard, though one of the strongest and most gallant knights of the day, could scarce keep the banner erect.

Still Edward fought on, and in the excitement of the moment, forgetting his incognito, he accompanied each blow with his customary war-cry--"Edward, St.George! Edward, St.George!" At that battle-cry, which told the French men-at-arms that the King of England was himself opposed to them, they recoiled for a moment.