Michiel de Ruyter

Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter (24 March 1607 - 29 April 1676) is the most famous admiral in Dutch history. De Ruyter fought the English in the first three Anglo-Dutch Wars and scored several major victories.

Third Anglo-Dutch War and death

De Ruyter saved the situation for the Dutch in the Third Anglo-Dutch War. His strategic victories over larger Anglo-French fleets at the Battles of Solebay (1672), the double Schooneveld (1673) and Texel (Kijkduin) (1673) warded off invasion. The new rank of Lieutenant-Admiral-General was made especially for him in February 1673.

Related Topics:
Third Anglo-Dutch War - Solebay - 1672 - Schooneveld - 1673 - Texel (Kijkduin)

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Again taking the battle to the Caribbean, this time against the French, De Ruyter arrived off Martinique aboard his flagship Zeven Provinciën on July 19 1674. He led a substantial force of thirty warships, nine storeships, and fifteen troop transports bearing 3,400 soldiers. Attempting to assault Fort Royal, his fleet was becalmed, allowing the greatly outnumbered French defenders time to solidify their defenses. The next day, newly-placed booms prevented de Ruyter from entering the harbor. Nonetheless, the Dutch soldiers went ashore without the support of the fleet's guns, and were badly mauled in their attempt to reach the French fortifications atop the steep cliffs. Within two hours, the soldiers were returning to the fleet, having suffered 143 killed and 318 wounded, as compared to only 15 French defenders lost. His ambitions thwarted and the element of surpise lost, de Ruyter sailed north to Dominica and Nevis, then returned to Europe with disease spreading aboard his ships.

Related Topics:
''Zeven Provinciën'' - July 19 - 1674 - Fort Royal - Dominica - Nevis

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He took command of a combined Dutch-Spanish fleet and fought a French fleet under Duquesne twice to a draw at the Battle of Stromboli and the Battle of Agosta were he was fatally wounded when a cannonball hit both his legs. His body was buried in the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam.

Related Topics:
Duquesne - Battle of Stromboli - Battle of Agosta - Nieuwe Kerk - Amsterdam

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De Ruyter was highly respected by his sailors and soldiers, who used the term of endearment Bestevâer ("Granddad") for him, both because of his disregard for hierarchy (he was himself of humble origin) and his refusal to back away from risky and bold undertakings despite his usually cautious nature.

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