Even today, the evaluation of forces is controversial. The classic French historiography often refers to Coalition troops three times more numerous than those of the King of France. Philippe Contamine is not of this opinion: "On the face of it, his opponents did not have a clear numerical superiority". It is said by William the Breton, chaplain to Philip at the Battle of Bouvines, that the lines of soldiers stood in line in a space of 40,000 steps , which leaves very little clearance and predisposes to hand-to-hand fighting . William the Breton also says in his column that "the two lines of combatants were separated by a pretty small space". Philip Augustus had then launched an appeal to the municipalities in northern France, in order to obtain their support. 16 of the 39 municipalities of the royal demesne answered the call to arms. Amiens 250, Arras 1000, Beauvais 500, Compiegne 200, Corbie 200, Bruyeres 120, Cerny and Crepy-en-Laonnais 80, Crandelain 40, Hesdin 80, Montreuil-sur-Mer 150, Noyon 150, Roye 100, Soissoins 160, Vailly 50, Total = 3,160 foot-soldiers. The rest of the infantry being composed of mercenaries. There were 1,980 infantrymen in the other communes of the royal demesne, but it is not known if they participated in the battle. In total, the royal army had 7,000 foot-soldiers, mounted sergeants and knights at the battle. The royal army was divided into three parts:
Question: Which muncipality sent less troops, Vailly or Noyon?
Answer: Vailly