English Captain: William Rouse

William Rouse commanded the hired merchantship Love of London (18 guns) from 1651 to 1652, the dates being according to R.C. Anderson. We know that on 27 August 1652, he was sent, in the Love, to convoy victuallers in the Thames. The other information is from Andrew. In 1653, he commanded the 4th Rate Portland (42 guns). He joined the fleet on May 30, 1653, prior to the Battle of the Gabbard. He apparently fought in the Battle of the Gabbard and the Battle of Scheveningen. He was killed in the latter battle. He is sometimes called William Row, William Rowse, or William Rous, as well. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.

2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.

3. C.T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.V, 1912.

4. Dr. S.R. Gardiner, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.II, 1900.