sentences:  This reliance was misplaced given the naval technology of the time and the French were unable to prevent Edward III successfully crossing the Channel.The campaign began on 11 July 1346 when Edward's fleet of more than 700 vessels, the largest ever assembled by the English to that date, departed the south of England and landed the next day at St. Vaast la Hogue, from Cherbourg.The English army was estimated to be between 12,000 and 15,000 strong and consisted of English and Welsh soldiers as well as some German and Breton mercenaries and allies.