What was Joan of Arc’s first recorded military victory at Orléans?

Joan of Arc’s first recorded military victory at Orléans was the capture of the English fortification of Saint Loup on 4 May 1429. The action formed part of the French effort to break the siege.

Saint Loup guarded an approach east of Orléans. French forces attacked it soon after Joan entered the city, and the position fell after fighting. The victory helped demonstrate that the French could take the initiative against the besieging army.

Several other strongpoints were captured during the following days. The main English fortification of Les Tourelles fell on 7 May, and the English abandoned the siege on 8 May. Because Les Tourelles was the decisive final position, it is sometimes incorrectly named as Joan’s first victory at Orléans.

The wider relief campaign involved commanders such as Jean de Dunois and Étienne de Vignolles, known as La Hire. Joan was an important inspirational and military participant, but she was not the sole commander of every operation.