He was then sent to Calais, where he showed great valour.
Two years later he was made Knight of the Garter, and was then appointed to command a fleet, sent out to repel a threatened invasion by the French.

Here he gained so great a success that he came to be regarded as one of the first captains of the age.
At Otterburn, his impetuosity cost him his freedom; for, pressing forward into the midst of the Scotch army, he and his brother Ralph were taken prisoners, and carried into Scotland.

He had just been appointed, by King Henry, sheriff of Northumberland, and governor of Berwick and Roxburgh, and received other marks of royal favour.
Although of no remarkable height, his broad shoulders and long, sinewy arms testified to his remarkable personal strength.

His face was pleasant and open, and showed but small sign of his impetuous and fiery disposition.
"So this is the young springal," he said, with a smile; as, with a quick glance, he took in every detail of Oswald's figure and appearance.

"By my troth, you have not overpraised him.