"it was the Maid of Orleans you had in mind, the occupying Brits (or "English" as I had better say in this thread)"

This is actually a perfect subject to show the reson why it isn't just someone being pernickity, rather it just doesn't make sense to talk about the British when what is meant is the English. During the campaigns of Joan of Arc, as in much of the said wars, Scotland was closely allied to France and thousands of Scottish troops were campaigning in France on behalf of both the French and Scottish kingdoms against the English kingdom. So yes it would make no sense to suggest France was at war with Britain whether it is in this thread or not. I actually remember somewhere reading that when St Joan entered Orleans she did so with her Scots Guard to the tune of what is now known as Scots Wha Hae. Don't know if that is just a story or if it is rooted in fact.