Battle of the Kentish Knoll

Timeline

1. 1652Kentish Knoll waters · North SeaEnglish admiral Blake, with about 68 warships, intercepted the Dutch force of about 62 warships under acting commander Michiel de Ruyter near the Kentish Knoll sandbanks. The two sides engaged in fierce artillery exchanges, and the English gained the tactical initiative thanks to a wind advantage.
2. 1652Kentish Knoll waters · North SeaAfter several hours of fighting the Dutch fleet had suffered heavy casualties, losing about two warships captured and many more damaged, and was forced to retreat to Dutch ports. English casualties were comparatively light, and control of the North Sea and the northern approaches to the English Channel was temporarily restored, though the English failed to pursue and press their advantage.