Spanish Armada

battle_name=Battle of Gravelines

Battle plan

The Duke of Parma, who was commanding Spain's army in the Spanish-controlled Netherlands, was to assemble an invading force on the North Sea coast. Parma's only means of transporting troops across the English Channel was a fleet of vulnerable barges. Therefore, the Armada was to travel North from Spanish-controlled Lisbon and meet Parma's army in order to protect its passage. Command of the Armada was given to Alonso de Guzman El Bueno, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia, a soldier with no naval experience. His instructions from Philip were detailed and strict, in contrast to Queen Elizabeth I's policy that her naval commanders be responsible for military decisions.

Related Topics:
Duke of Parma - Netherlands - North Sea - English Channel - Lisbon - Alonso de Guzman El Bueno, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia - Queen Elizabeth I's

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The Armada invasion plan was flawed from the start in the unworkably precise timing and communication that it demanded between Medina Sidonia and Parma, as well as in the near-absence of deep-water ports accessible to Philip on the north-western European coastline for a fleet of the Armada's size and composition. However, a rendezvous with Parma was feasible if the Armada could maintain position in the English Channel near Parma's scattered barges long enough for him to assemble his soldiers for battle. Many of the dangers were well understood. Heated disputes between the Spanish admiral, Marquis of Santa Cruz of Mudela (Alvaro de Bazan - who died before he could take charge), and Philip II over organisation, delays and details marred preparations.

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The English plan was implemented by a new fleet, built by John Hawkins, consisting of light, manoeuvrable ships equipped with long-range cannon. The English would then execute a "line ahead" or single-file formation, sailing by the enemy, landing broadsides, while remaining beyond the range of answering fire.

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