In the long history of conflict between English and French, possibly no Frenchman was more
admired by the British than: Bayard, Chevalier Sans Peur et Sans Reproche

Without Fear and Without Reproach


A French knight, Chevalier Bayard, was born in the latter half of the 15th century during the rise of the
powerful French nation state. By the age of 20, he became one of the youngest marshals of France and
would volunteer to fight for other affiliates during the brief times that France was not at war. Bayard
was admired by such diverse figures as Henry VIII of England, Gaston De Fiox (probably the finest
general of the day) and Leonardo Da Vinci, because he personified many of the knightly virtues, such as:

-Prowess - Bayard was always the first man in an attack. In a single combat he had no equal and most
enemy knights would simply ride around him in hope of fighting someone else.

-Courage - At the “Battle of the Spears” (30 June 1513), Bayard and approximately 15 men attempted to
fight the entire force of English and German knights (over 1000 men). While this may seem to have been
“bad headwork,” his courageous action enabled the main body of French troops to escape.

-Honor, Bearing - Aside from his habit of fighting duels with everyone who irritated him, Bayard was
renowned for his quiet, rather genteel attitude towards his people, his generosity to the poor, and his
mercy to beaten foes. His king, Frances I, referred to him as “My favorite DOG...he never barks, but
bites hard.”

-Loyalty - Bayard never deviated from his loyalties to king, church, friends, and country.

The shield and banner which make up part of the World Famous Pukin” Dogs’ crest were taken from the
shield that Bayard carried into battle so many years ago. It is only fitting that the officers and men of
the World Famous Pukin’ Dogs of Fighter Squadron 143, who emulate the qualities of the famous knight,
continue to carry his shield into battle.