An English invasion force of one hundred ships and six thousand soldiers under Buckingham’s command invades the island of Ile de Ré at the beach of Sablanceau on July 12, 1627, with the objective of controlling the approaches to La Rochelle, and of encouraging the rebellion in the city.

Buckingham wishes to capture the Fort of La Prée and the fortified city of Saint Martin de Ré.

Toiras fights against the landing from behind the dunes, with a force of twelve hundred infantry and two hundred horsemen, but the English beachhead is maintained, with over twelve officers and one hundred men dead.

During a period of three days during which Buckingham consolidates his beachhead, Toiras takes all the available provisions on the island and fortifies himself in the citadel of Saint Martin with one thousand men.