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Battle of Gibraltar (1607)
On 25 April 1607, a Dutch Republic fleet under Jacob van Heemskerk surprised a Spanish Armada anchorage in the Bay of Gibraltar, sinking or burning o…
Timeline
- 1607Entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar · SpainThe Dutch fleet sailed south from the North Sea, taking advantage of the Spanish Armada resting at anchor in the Bay of Gibraltar to launch a surprise attack; Heemskerk resolved to attack with inferior numbers, approaching the Spanish fleet under cover of night.
- 1607Bay of Gibraltar · AndalusiaDutch warships attacked the anchored Spanish fleet with fireships and close-range cannon fire; several Spanish galleons were sunk or burned, the Spanish navy suffered heavy losses, and Heemskerk was killed in the battle.
- 1607Bay of Gibraltar · SpainThe Dutch fleet withdrew at relatively low cost, while the Spanish Armada was gravely weakened. The battle shook Europe and accelerated Spain's process of seeking armistice negotiations with the Dutch.
Sources
- Battle of Gibraltar (1607) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gibraltar_(1607)
- Battle of Gibraltar https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Gibraltar