| Summary : 1639 wreck of Dutch fireship expended against the Spanish warship SANTIAGO at the Battle of the Downs (1582748), an action of the Eighty Years' War in which the Dutch fought the Spanish off the Kent coast. This battle took place on 11 October 1639, according to the Julian Calendar, and 21 October 1639, according to the Gregorian. The English did not participate, but witnessed the battle from Deal (468386), Dover (467778) and Walmer (468409) Castles. Two other fireships (1179089 and 1587863) were expended against the SANTA TERESA (1439232). For the other fireship involved, please see 1179089. For Spanish ships lost or potentially lost in this action, please see: 1179051, 1179072, 1179083, 1329675, 1329695, 1329736, 1329738, 1329750, 1329755, 1329758, 1329769, 1329772, 1329775, 1329800, 1329807, 1329812, 1587795. For a Neapolitan ship fighting in the Armada, see 1587801. For six Lübeckers said to have been driven ashore after being inadvertently caught up in the action, please see: 1179051, 1329509, 1329519, 1329521, 1329525, and 1329545. |
More information : The following incident occurred in the aftermath of the battle fought by the Spanish and Dutch in the Downs on 11-OCT-1639:
Oct 14 1639, Dover: Theophilus, Earl of Suffolk, to Sec. Windebank . . . this day happened an occasion, as I conceive, of some importance . . . One of the Spanish galleons was driven for his relief by the Hollanders close to the shore under the castle of Dover, whereupon I caused as many pieces to be mounted as our weak means would give me leave . . . and presently the Spanish ship shot off a piece for help and the Hollanders presently made towards him. Then the castle shot, by my command, being present, and struck a fireship that was coming to lay hold of the Spaniard, so the fire-ship missed to lay hold and yet was burnt herself. (1)
Owner: Netherlands (United Provinces) Navy
Date of Loss Qualifier: Actual date of loss |