Edward III had determined early in 1345 to attack France on three fronts. The Earl of Northampton would lead a small force to Brittany, a slightly larger force would proceed to Gascony under the command of the Earl of Derby and the main force would accompany Edward to France or Flanders. Henry of Grosmont was appointed the King's Lieutenant in Gascony on 13th. March 1345 and received a contract to raise a force of 2000 men in England, plus further troops in Gascony itself. While circumstances would dictate that the main army never reached the continent, Derby's force embarked at Southampton at the end of May. Due to bad weather, his fleet was forced to shelter in Falmouth for several weeks en route, finally departing on 23rd. July and arriving in Bordeaux on 9th. August, 1345.