Battle of the Gabbard

Timeline

1. 1653Gabbard shoals, North Sea · North SeaThe English and Dutch fleets encountered each other near the Gabbard shoals, and the English joint fleet opened fire first. English commander Richard Deane was killed early in the battle by a cannonball, and George Monk immediately took over command of the whole fleet. A fierce artillery duel ensued; the Dutch fleet suffered heavy losses and was forced to suspend its attack that day.
2. 1653South of the Gabbard shoals, North Sea · North SeaThe next day, Monk led the English fleet out again; under the suppression of superior firepower the Dutch fleet retreated in full rout, forced to withdraw toward the Dutch coast. During the pursuit the English captured or sank numerous Dutch warships, winning a decisive victory, after which the English were able to blockade the Dutch coast.