English Captain: Francis Courtney

Francis Courtney served in the Restoration navy. In 1666, he was appointed to command the Dutch prize Gelder de Ruyter. He fought in the Four Days' Battle, where he was assigned to the Duke of Albemarles's division in the Red Squadron. Later in 1666, he commanded the Happy Return. He commanded her in the St. James's Day Battle. He was assigned to John Kempthorne's division in the Blue Squadron. In 1668, he was appointed to command the Sweepstakes. In 1669, he commanded the Garland. In 1672-1673, he commanded the Dunkirk. He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he was assigned to Sir Edward Spragge's division in the Red Squadron. He fought in the Battle of the Texel. He was killed in action on August 11, 1673. Sources:

1. ulian S. Corbett, “A Note on the Drawings in the Possession of The Earl of Dartmouth Illustrating The Battle of Solebay May 28, 1672 and The Battle of the Texel August 11, 1673”, 1908.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
3. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
4. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Dutch Captain: Cornelis Gerritszoon Burger

Cornelis Gerritszoon Burger served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In June 1665, he commanded the old Wapen van Edam (38 guns and a crew of 140 men) (often just called Edam or Zwarte Bul). In the chase at the end of the Battle of Lowestoft, the Wapen van Edam was caught by the 4th Rate Ruby and the 3rd Rate Anne. Frank Fox says that the Wapen van Edam fought well and heavily damaged the Ruby in the process. She was captured, as she was so outmatched. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Dutch Captain: Jacob Pieteys

Jacob Pieteys served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He commanded the old Fazant (38 guns and a crew of 150 men) at the Battle of Lowestoft, in June 1665. He was assigned to Auke Stellingwerf's 4th Squadron. In August 1665, he was with De Ruyter's fleet. In August, the Fazant had a crew of 118 sailors, 15 marines, and 17 soldiers. He was assigned to Cornelis Evertsen's squadron. The Fazant was one of the ships leased to Denmark from 1666 to 1667. Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
3. A. Vreugdenhil, Ships of the United Netherlands 1648-1702, 1938.

English Captain: John Whitty

John Whitty served in the Restoration navy. After the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665, he was appointed to command the 2nd Rate Vanguard (60 guns). He fought in the Four Days', where he was killed. The Vanguard was assigned to Richard Utber's division in the Blue Squadron. Pepys' list calls him John Whitey. Frank Fox calls him John Whitty. Syrett and DiNardo refer us to the Thomas Whitty entry in their book, from a John Whitey entry. They say that the was killed on the fourth day of the Four Days' Battle. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
2. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Dutch Captain: Jacob Bruynings

This is based on my translation of a piece by Mr. Carl Stapel about the Dutch captain Jacob Bruynings:

Jacob Bruynings

Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier

Died 13 July 1665 in Den Helder, where he was shot.

1665 captain

On 13 June 1665, he fought in the Battle of Lowestoft,
where he was he was in the 7th Squadron of Vice-Admiral Volkert Schram
as a captain of the Westfriesland (built in 1661, with 50 guns
and a crew of 250). During the battle, he behaved cowardly.

After the battle, he was arrested.

In the court-martial of 13 July 1665, he was condemned to death.
On the same day he was shot in Den Helder.

Dutch Captain: Hendrik Hakro (or Haeckroy) (Update)

Hendrik Hakro (or Haeckroy) fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he commanded the frigate Vollenhoven (24 guns). In August 1665, he was with De Ruyter's fleet. In 1666, he commanded the chartered Dutch ship Middelburg (46 guns) in the Danish service. In mid-August, they had a a squadron patrolling the Kattegat. These were the Middelburg, Damiaten, Flyende Hjort, Unge Lam, and Gamle Lam. In September, the Middelburg, with the Fazant and Damiaten, sailed from "Copenhagen to convoy Dutch merchantmen to the Vlie". Hendrik Hakro commanded the first group. In December, he went to Norway with returning Dutch ships. On June 4th, 1667, Captain Hakro sailed with a force of seven ships on convoy duty. He escorted the newly built Frederik and Sophia on their voyage to France, for whom they had been built in Denmark. Captain Hakro was appointed to command the Danish squadron at the Texel in August, as the previous commander had died from the epidemic of sickness that had spread through the ships. The Peace of Breda was announce on July 21, which ended the war. Hakro flew his flag on the Tre Løver. His ship was damaged in a storm, and they had to enter Norwegian waters. He died when another epidemic broke out in the squadron, while in Norway. This account relies heavily on Anderson's book about naval warfare in the Baltic. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Naval Wars in the Baltic, 1910.
2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Dutch Captain: Gerrit Nobel

Gerrit Nobel served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In 1652, he commanded the ship Burgh van Alkmaar (24 guns and a crew of 95 men). Dr. Ballhausen says that Gerrit Nobel was with Tromp on May 29, 1652, when the battle took place off Dover between two English squadron and Tromp's 42 ships. In July and August, Gerrit Nobel was with Tromp's fleet on the voyage to the Shetlands, when the fleet was dispersed by the storm and some ships were lost. Gerrit Nobel fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock, where his ship was sunk. He had bravely gotten in amongst the English, while unsupported, and his ship blew up and most aboard were lost. Sources:

1. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Höllandische Seekrieg 1652-1654, 1923.
2. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1925.
3. Hendrik de Raedt, Lyste van de schepen van Oorloge onder het beleyt Admirael Marten Harpersz. Tromp, 1652.

Dutch captain: Jan van Hardenbroeck

Jan van Hardenbroeck served the Admiralty of Amsterdam and was in the Danish service from 1675 to 1678. In 1676 he commanded the Danish ship Anna Sophia (56 guns) and fought at the Battle of Oland (in June 1676). In August 1676, he was before Ruland with the Danish fleet commanded by Cornelis Tromp. From 1678, he returned to the Dutch naval service. In 1688, he commanded the Gideon (60 guns) in the fleet that took Willem III to England. This is an edited version of Andrews communication, augmented slightly. Sources:

1. Communication from Andrew
2. Carl Stapel, unpublished manuscript "Augustus 1676 de vloot van Tromp voor Rugen".
3. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.III, 1869.

Allert Tamessen in 1645

Allert Janszoon Tamessen (or Taemsen) commanded the Enkhuizen Directors ship Dolphijn in 1645. The Dolphijn carried 34 guns and had a crew of 85 men. We know Allert Janszoon Tamessen, because he commanded the Wapen van Hoorn (30 guns and a crew of 115 men) in 1652-1653 for the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He I have confused him in the past with the Zeeuws captain Allert Janszoon, who commanded the Dubbele Arend during the First Anglo-Dutch War. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript “Dutch Captains”, 2004.
2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
3. G. W. Kernkamp, De Sleutels van de Sont, 1890.

English Captain: Hugh Ridley

Hugh Ridley served in the Restoration navy. He was appointed captain on 12 June 1667. In 1667, he commanded the fireship Star. Later in 1667, he is listed alongside the name Tilbury Hope, which is a place. In 1668, he commanded the fireship Providence (the ex-4th Rate). In 1673, Prince Rupert appointed him to command the Woolwich sloop. On 3 June 1675, the King appointed him to command the Wivenhoe fireship. On 28 February 1682 (they called it 1681), the commissioners appointed him in charge of the boats at Portsmouth. On 25 May 1685, the King appointed him to command the America. Quite soon after this, he was switched to command the Swan (9 June 1685). On 15 August 1686, the King (James II) appointed him to command the Garland. then, on 9 September 1688, the King appointed him to command the Antelope. Sources:

1. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Dutch Captain: Cornelis Janszoon Poort

De Sleutels van de Sont also lists Cornelis Janszoon Poort as commanding a ship belonging to the New Directors of Amsterdam. In 1645, he commanded the Patientia (26 guns and a crew of 71 men). Cornelis Janszoon Poort commanded an Amsterdam Directors ship Kroon Imperiaal (34 guns) in 1652 and up until the Battle of Portland in 1653, when he was apparently killed and his ship was sunk. We have to wonder if the Patientia was the same ship hired by the Admiralty of Amsterdam in 1652 and commanded by Adriaan van Loenen. In 1652, the Patientia was armed with 24 guns and had a crew of 80 men. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
2. Gerhard Wilhelm Kernkamp, De Sleutels van de Sont, 1890.

Some guesses about names form the 1645 list

There are some familiar names in the list of Witte de With's fleet from 1645. Here are some more names that we recognize or may be able to guess the correct spelling (M=Maze, A=Amsterdam, A-Dir=Amsterdam Directors):

1. M-Brederode, 51 guns crew 183 Witte Corneliszoon de With--the famous admiral. The Brederode was newly completed.
2. M-Gekroonde Liefde, 33 guns crew 98 Cornelis van Houtten--probably commanded the Amsterdam Directors ship Witte Lam in 1652
3. A-Huis van Nassau, 36 guns crew 130 Vice-Admiral Joris Cats. This ship was lost off of Brazil in 1648. Joris Cats commanded in the Mediterranean Sea in 1652, before committing a diplomatic error.
4. A-Goude Maan, 34 guns crew 100 Schout-bij-Nacht Johan van Galen. He commanded in the Mediterranean in 1652 and 1653, until he was killed at the Battle of Livorno. This may have been the ship sometimes called the Maan or Halve Maan.
5. A-Goude Zon, 33 guns crew 100 Commandeur Anthonis van Zalingen. This is likely the same ship he commanded in 1652, until he died.
6. A-Wapen van der Goes, 32 guns crew 101 Commandeur Willem van Nieuhoff. He commanded the Aartsengel Michiel in 1652 and into 1653.
7. A-Zutphen, 32 guns crew 100 Jan de Lapper, the famous captain who was also a cobbler.
8. A-Bommel, 30 guns crew 80 Captain Uyttenhout (probably Jan Uyttenhout)
9. A-Dir-Burght, 24 guns crew 81 Captain Gerrit van Lummen (the book says van Limmen). Gerrit van Lummen commanded the Amsterdam Directors ship Neptunis in 1652.
10. A-Dir-Hollandia, 26 guns crew 86 Maarten de Graeff. He commanded the Amsterdam Director's ship Prinses Roijaal in 1652.
11. A-Dir-Wakende Boey, 26 guns crew 85 Jan Maijkers (the book says Meykes). Jan Maijkers commanded the Amsterdam Directors ship Alexander in 1652. He was with Tromp's fleet on the voyage to the Shetlands in 1652 and fought in the Battle of Dungeness.

Source:

1. G. W. Kernkamp, De Sleutels van de Sont, 1890.

Dutch Captain: Jan Warnaertszoon Capelman

Jan Warnaertszoon Capelman served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In 1645, his ship, the Wapen van Alkmaar (24 guns and a crew of 80 men) was part of Witte de With's fleet that convoyed 300 merchantmen into the Sound without paying the toll. The ships were equipped for long cruising overseas, so they carried fewer guns than normal. In 1652, he commanded the Alkmaar (28 guns and a crew of 95 men). This was one of the 36 ships funded for cruising in 1651. There is a notation that he had been cruising in the Bay (of Biscay?) before joining Tromp's fleet. Tromp sent him with letters for Vice-Admiral Jan Evertsen, but "he allowed himself to be taken by the English". This was probably the same ship he commanded in 1645, as there are other cases where that was true for captains in Witte de With's fleet. In any case, Hendrik de Raedt's pamphlet indicates that by late July, his ship was already captured. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Captains", 2005.
2. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
3. G.W. Kernkamp, De Sleutels van de Sont, 1890.
4. Hendrik de Raedt, Lyste van de schepen van Oorloge onder het beleyt Admirael Marten Harpersz. Tromp, 1652.

I am ready to concede that the captain's name is Jan Pieterszoon Eenarm

I have been calling this particular Medemblick Director's captain Jan Pieterszoon Renaren, but the evidence seems overwhelming that the correct name is something like Jan Pieterszoon Eenarm (or Eenarn). The last straw was the book De Sleutels van de Sont, which calls him by this name. He was a Medemblick Director's captain. He ship in 1645 was the Koning David (28 guns and a crew of 97 men). In 1652, he seems to have commanded the Sint Jeronimus (30 guns), also belonging to the Medemblick Directors. The ship was paid off late in the year when the crew refused to go to sea in her, due to her poor condition. The list from the Hollandsche Mercurius for 1652, republished in Vol.I of The First Dutch War was the source for Renaren. That list called him Jacob Pieterszoon Renaren. Hendrik de Raedt's list from August 1652 called him Jan Pieterszoon Eenarm (with a ship with 30 guns and a crew of 110 men).

Dutch Captain: Jan van Kampen (Campen)

Mr. Carl Stapel has a piece about Jan van Kampen. This is based on my translation of what Carl wrote:

  Jan van Kampen

Admiralty of Amsterdam

Born ca 1610

Passed away 07-02-1670 vlg resolution States of Holland 1670 pag 25

Captain 1652

1652  8 and 9 October  He fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock
                       as captain of the Overijssel (1650–28/100)

     10 December      In the Battle of Dungeness, he commanded the
                       ship Overijssel (1650–28/100)

1653 28 Feb-2 March    In M. H. Tromp's squadron, he was captain of the Overijssel
                       (1650–28/100) in the Three Days Sea Battle (Portland). 

    10 August.        He served in the Battle of Terheide in the squadron of
                       M. H. Tromp as a captain of the Overijssel (1650–28/100)

1654                   He was captain of the ship of the line Jaersveldt
                        (1653–32 guns)

1656  4 August        In the fleet sent to Danzig as captain of the
                        Huis van Jaersveldt (1653–42/155)

1657   7 April       A reinforcement for De Ruyter in the Mediterranean Sea

1658   8 November    In the Battle of the Sound, he is captain of the Half Maen
                      (1643–40/168)

1661  30 May         With De Ruyter in the Mediterranean Sea on the
                      Muiltromp (1655–42/190)

1662             In the Mediterranean Sea on 26 February lost his lieutenant
                 while taking an Algerijns pirate ship the 3 Mane
                 (22guns and 250 men) while sailing on that coast
                 near La Farina. On 27 February the ship was burnt.

1663 April       Back in the Netherlands

1665            He had been intended for the command of the help sent to Guinea,
                but that was cancelled. 

1670 7 February He had passed away, based on what appeared in the Resolutions
               of the  State of Holland 7/2/1670 page 25

I received my copy of Schaap's article from the Fries Scheepvaart Museum

Mr. Carl Stapel had told me about C.W.J. Schaap's article about the Fries Admiralty in the Jaarboek 1982 from the Fries Scheepvaart Museum. My copy arrived in the post, today. I need to get the information entered into my list of Dutch ships.

English Captain: John Votiere

John Votiere served in the Restoration navy. John Votiere was promoted to captain on 16 June 1667. In 1667, he was appointed captain of the Swann fireship. Later in 1667, he commanded the Elizabeth and Mary. In 1672, he commanded the Hardereen fireship. In 1673, he commanded the Katherine fireship. On 14 September 1674, the King appointed him to command the Ann & Christopher. On 12 July 1677, the King appointed him to command the Holmes fireship. The commissioners appointed him, on 14 July 1683, to command the Richmond yacht. On 1 April 1685, the King appointed him to command the Kingfisher ketch. He was retired on 5 April 1693. Sources:

1. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Corstiaen Eldertszoon/Christiaan Eldertszoon/Christiaan Eldertszoon Uma

Based on what Mr. Carl Stapel has seen in A. Vreugdenhil's notes, as well as the De Sneuper website, it seems almost certain that Corstiaen Eldertszoon, Christiaan Eldertszoon, and Christiaan Eldertszoon Uma are the same man. There are several variations spellings for Eldertszoon. They include Elbertszoon, Ebelssen, and Ebelszoon. Corstiaen and Christiaan are apparently interchangable. There are a large number of examples on the Internet that show that is true. Corstiaen Eldertszoon commanded the Rotterdam ship Roskam (26 guns) in the First Anglo-Dutch War. He was apparently with Tromp's fleet on the voyage to the Shetlands (Hitland) in July-August 1652. He served through the war, and in July 1654, commanded the Gorcum. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft in June 1665, where he commanded the frigate Utrecht (36 guns). This ship was also called the Wapen van Utrecht. In an odd move, he was dismissed from the service by the Admiralty of the Maze, but he was almost immediately hired by the Admiralty of Friesland, and commanded a Friese ship in De Ruyter's fleet in August 1665 (I believe). He served through the rest of the Second Anglo-Dutch War in the service of the Admiralty of Friesland. He was called Christiaan Eldertszoon Uma, which was apparently his full name. De Sneuper calls him Christiaan Ebelsz. Uma. He commanded the Omlandia in 1666 and fought in the Four Days Battle and the St. James's Day Battle. He commanded the Vredewold (or Zevenwolden) in the Raid on Chatham and at the Battle of Solebay in 1672.

Dutch Captain: Jan van Blakenburch

Jan van Blakenburch served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he commanded the frigate Overijssel (36 guns and a crew of 116 men). The Overijssel's dimensions were 114ft x 28ft x 11ft. The Overijssel was built in 1650, and served in the First Anglo-Dutch War. At Lowestoft, Jan van Blakenburch was assigned to Egbert Meeuwssen Cortenaer's squadron. In August, he was with De Ruyter's fleet, where he still commanded the Overijssel. In August, the Overijssel had a crew of 140 men. In August, he was assigned to Cornelis Tromp's 3rd Squadron. Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

The Noorderkwartier ship Caleb

The Caleb was built for the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier in 1654. Her dimensions were 130ft x 32ft x 12ft. Her commanders and data (these will probably be extended further):

Date    Captain                      Guns  Sailors Soldiers  Notes
7/1654 Cornelis Victol               50?   (UPDATE: cannot find 
                                            the source for this entry, and 
                                            might withdraw it)
  1658 Cornelis Barentszoon Slordt   42    125   
  1664 Govert Corneliszoon 't Hoen   36    150               In De Ruyter's squadron
8/1666 Jan Heck                      47    304               St. James's Day Battle
7/1667 Jan Janszoon Maauw            48                      Raid on Harwich
  1671 Jan Dik                       48    184     59       
6/1673 Klaas Pieterszoon Wijnbergen  46    200     20        Schooneveld Battles
8/1673 Klaas Pieterszoon Wijnbergen  50    199     50        Battle of the Texel
6/1674 Jan Gerritszoon Muis          46    198     33        Expedition to Martinique

Dutch Captain: Krijn van den Kerckhoven

I have very little information about Krijn van den Kerckhoven. I wonder if his last name is essentially the same as Krijn (or Quirijn van de Kerckhoff and Paulus van den Kerckhoff). Quirijn is probably a variant spelling for Krijn (or Cryn), so if I didn't know that Quirijn van den Kerckhoff had been killed at the Battle of Portland in early 1653, I would have thought that they were one in the same. We do know that Krijn van den Kerckhoven commanded the Rotterdam or Wapen van Rotterdam in the Battle of Lowestoft in June 1665. The Wapen van Rotterdam was probably built in about 1658. It was Aert van Nes's flagship in the Battle of the Sound in 1658, so that was the first time the ship was mentioned in published sources. We also know that the Wapen van Rotterdam was Aert van Nes's flagship in August and September 1665, so perhaps Krijn van den Kerckhoven was his flag captain, although we do not have the information to know for certain. Sources:

1. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Sowie der Schwedisch-Höllandische Seekrieg 1658-1659, 1923.
2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
3. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, Vol.IV, 1927.
4. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
5. Carl Stapel, unpublished manuscript "Vlootlijst Lowestoft 13 juni 1665", 2005.

English Captain: Ralph Saunderson

Ralph Saunderson served in the Restoration navy. Prince Rupert and the Duke of Albemarle appointed him as lieutenant of the 4th Rate Assistance in 1666. He was promoted to captain on 17 November 1667. In 1669, he was appointed as captain of the St. David. In 1670, he was appointed to command the East India Merchant. In 1671, he was given command of the Phoenix. In 1673, he was appointed as second Captain of the Sovereign by Prince Rupert. On 30 July 1674, the King appointed him as captain of the Portsmouth yacht. In 1676, he was appointed as captain of the Charles yacht. On 5 September 1677, he was appointed by the King to command the Charlotte yacht. The commissioners reappointed him as captain of the Charlotte yacht on 22 October 1681. On 31 August 1682, the commissioners appointed him to command the Fubbs yacht. The King reappointed him to command the Fubbs yacht on 27 March 1685. He obviously must have been a good yacht commander, given his string of commands. He died in 1699. Sources:

1. David Syrett, R. L. DiNardo, The Commissioned Sea Officers of the Royal Navy 1660-1815, 1994.
2. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

English Captain: John Wyborne

John Wyborne served in the Restoration navy. He commanded the fireship Joseph in 1666. He seems to have taken part in John Harman's attack on a French squadron at Martinique in 1667. The French squadron was annihilated, and this was the only English success of the year, according to Frank Fox. He commanded the Portsmouth in 1668 and 1669. The Portsmouth was rigged as a ketch in 1668 and as a pink in 1669. Later in 1669, he was operating with Sir Thomas Allin's squadron off of Spain and the North African coast. The Portsmouth was apparently still rigged as a ketch in that period. In 1672, he was appointed to command the Garland. On February 15, 1675, the King appointed John Wyborne to command the Speedwell and later in 1675 to command the Pearl. Sir John Narborough appointed him to command the James Galley on 8 October 1677. The Commissioners appointed him to command the Bristol on 21 October 1679 and the Rupert on 29 November, just over a month later. On 16 July 1681, the Commissioners appointed John Wyborne to command the Happy Return. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, The Journals of Sir Thomas Allin, Vol.II 1667-1678, 1940.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
3. J.R. Tanner, A Descriptive Catalogue of the Naval Manuscripts in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, Vol.I, 1903.

Dutch Captain: Kommer Gerritszoon

Kommer Gerritszoon served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he commanded the English prize Luipaard (58 guns and a crew of 280 men). The Luipaard was in Cornelis Tromp'sm squadron. She had been captured at the Battle of Livorno in 1653. She had been Henry Appleton's flagship. The Luipaard was one of three Dutch three-decked ships, the other being the Spiegel. We don't know the details of her service in the Battle of Lowestoft, except that she survived the battle. We do know the Luipaard's dimensions, as the Staet van Oorlog te Water for the year 1654 gives them as 145ft x 35ft x 14ft (this is in Amsterdam feet). There is also an armament listed by De Jonge in a table for June 1665 for a 58 gun ship from Amsterdam: 4-24pdr, 20-18pdr, 4-12pdr, 20-8pdr, and 10-3pdr. This is at least representative of what might have been carried. Sources:

1. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.
2. J. C. De Jonge, Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol.I, 1858.
3. Staet van Oorlog te Water voor den Jaere 1654, 1654.

Dutch Captain: Adriaan Rodenhaes

Adriaan Rodenhaes (or Rodehaes) served the Admiralty of Amsterdam during the First Anglo-Dutch War. He spent most of the war in the Mediterranean Sea. After the English retook the frigate Phoenix on November 20, 1652, Adriaan Rodenhaes, in his hired ship the Rode Haes (presumably the ship was named after him, as he was owner) chased the Phoenix, although could not catch her. In March 1653, he fought in the Battle of Livorno, under the command of Johan van Galen. Van Galen died from his wounds in the battle. As a result of the battle, the English fleet under Badiley left the Mediterranean Sea to return to England. The First Anglo-Dutch War, unlike many other wars, was a purely naval war that focused on fleet actions to achieve control of the seas. Both sides realized that for effective commerce protection, the other's fleet needed to be defeated. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "The First Dutch War in the Mediterranean," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.49, No.4, November 1963.
2. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.IV, 1910.

More about Pieter de Sitter

Mr. Carl Stapel has passed on more information about Pieter de Sitter. It turns out that he died from the plague, not from enemy action. I was rather rushed, so the formatting is not as pretty as usual, but the information is good.

       Pieter de Sitter

Admiralty of Amsterdam


Died:  July 1676 on board the Zuiderhuis from the plague in the fleet. 

Date
1666 11-14 June  During the Four Days' Battle, he was flag captain of 
                 the Spiegel (1663), Abraham van der Hulsts' flagship.
                 Abraham van der Hulst was killed in the battle.
1667  May  He was captain of the ship of the line Huis te Jaersveld 
           (built in 1653, with 46 guns and a crew of 175 sailors and 30 soldiers)
           in the squadron of Michiel de Ruyter.

      June in the Raid on Chatham, he was captain of the Jaersveld (1653)
          with Vice-Admiral Enno Doedes Star in the vicinity of Rochester.

      15 July he was part of Aert van Nes's squadron
         On 21 juli 1667 he served with the same squadron in the vain
         attack on Harwich.

1672  May He commanded the Agatha (1665, 50 guns) in the 
         squadron of Michiel de Ruyter.
         
     7 June During the Battle of Solebay, he was part of Bancket's squadron 
         and his ship, the Agatha, was heavily engaged, with 13 dead, 
         17 severely and 18 lightly wounded

1673  7 June. In Schooneveld I he commanded the Agatha (1665–50/198-47)
     14 June  In Schooneveld II ditto
     21 Aug  In the Battle of Kijkduin (the Texel) he was captain of 
             the Agatha (1665–50/180-23) in Cornelis Tromp's squadron.

1674  May to September He was captain of the Beschermer (1665–50/188-91) in the
        expedition to Martinique under Michiel de Ruyter. 

1675   In July 1675 he was with the Zuiderhuis (46 guns and 200 men) 
        part of De Ruyter's fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.
1676   8 January  Battle of Stromboli
      22 April    Battle of Etna 
       1 June     Battle of Palermo. 
      He died in July from the "red course" or the plague

Dutch Captain: Adriaan van Rheede

Adriaan van Rheede served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In July 1654, he commanded the jacht Prinses, a vessel with 12 guns and dimensions 70ft x 18ft. He commanded the Tromp (or Muiltromp) at the Battle of Lowestoft, where he was assigned to Cornelis Tromp's squadron. The Tromp was taken in the battle and Adriaan van Rheede was captured, however the Tromp eventually was "let go" and rejoined the Dutch, although without her captain. Sources:

1. James C. Bender, unpublished manuscript "Dutch Ships 1600-1700", 2005.
2. Frank Fox, Great Ships: The Battlefleet of King Charles II, 1980.

Dutch Captain: Adriaan van Veen

Adriaan van Veen served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In June 1665, he commanded the frigate Asperen (36 guns) and fought in the Battle of Lowestoft. He was assigned to Cornelis Tromp's squadron. In August 1665, he was still in the Asperen, now armed with 39 guns. He was assigned to De Ruyter's squadron. Later in August, he was in Schout-bij-Nacht Stachouwer's division. About September 11, 1665, he was operating under the command of Schout-bij-Nacht Adriaan Houttuijn. Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Updated information on Cornelis Jakob van der Hoeven

Mr. Carl Stapel passed on his updated information about Cornelis Jakob van der Hoeven:

Cornelis Jakob van der Hoeven

Admiraliteit van de Maze


1689 (?)  kapitein ter zee
1666      commandeur


1666    4 and 5 Aug Two Days' Battle (St. James's Day Battle).
       Commandeur of the fireship Lijdzaamheid  (2 guns and a crew of 10 men)

1667    17 September in the fleet of De Ruyter in the Thames
       on the fireship Rotterdam (4 guns and a crew of 20 men, in the first
       squadron).
22 September Despite a rain of shot from heavy guns and muskets,
       sailed past the Castle Upnor, boarded the Loyal London and burnt
       the ship. De Ruyter found that the ship was not burnt well and
       sent another fireship alongside.

1671    He is commandeur of the fireship Gorinchem (6 guns and a crew
       of 27 men) in the fleet for the coast.

1672    7 June. In the Battle of Solebay, he commanded the adviesjacht
       Faam (12 guns and a crew of 33 men).
       31 July. Cruising in the North Sea.
       6 and 7 October The English fleet continued to be at Walcheren,
       but escaped them.

1673    7 June. First Schooneveld Battle. He commandeert the frigate
        Schiedam (built in 1662, 24 guns and a crew of 90 men)
       14 June. Second Schooneveld Battle. Still in the Schiedam.
       18 Aug. He captured an Engelse ketch and brought it to the
       Dutch fleet.
       21 Aug  Battle of the Texel (Kijkduin), on the Schiedam.

1674   He commanded the transport fluit Juffrouw Katharina (9 guns and 176 men)
       in the fleet of Michiel de Ruyter sent to Martinique.     

1678   He fritters away part of his crew for money by letting
      them serve in the country militia. As a result he had to appear before
      the Council of State.

1689   He commanded the de Oranje (built in 1677, with 50 guns)
      in the squardron of G. Schey in in the North Sea.

1690   He commanded the Oranje and sailed from St. Helens Bay

1691   He commanded the Oranje in the fleet of Philips van Almonde.
      He was dismissed from the service for plundering a prize.

Source: The notes of A. Vreugdenhil

Dutch Captain: Jan Janszoon Bout

Jan Janszoon Bout served the Admiralty of Amsterdam as a fireship commander. In July 1671, he commanded the fireship Sollenburg (with a crew of 20 men). He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he commanded the fireship Sollenburg. The Sollenburg must have been expended in the battle, since by June 23, 1672, he commanded the fireship Salamander, where he was attached to Isaac Sweers' squadron. In August 1672, Brandt lists him as commanding the fireship Draak and gives Pieter van Grootvelt as commander of the Salamander. On September 20th, Jan Janszoon Bout is still listed as commander of the Draak. In May 1673, he is listed as commander of the fireship Salamander. He is absent from the June 12th list. He next appears in 1675 in De Ruyter's fleet bound for the Mediterranean Sea. Jan Janszoon Bout commanded the fireship Sint Salvador (6 guns). He is listed under Vice-Admiral Jan de Haan in August 1675. On November 19, he is listed as being in De Ruyter's division. In early January 1676, he was attached to Jan de Haan's squadron. On April 22, 1676, he was in Jan de Haan's squadron at the Battle of Etna (Agosta). Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
2. J. R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.

My updated list of De Ruyter's ships at Scheveningen

Michiel de Ruijter's Squadron at Scheveningen

De Ruijter apparently flew his flag on the Witte Lam, at both the Battle of the Gabbard and Scheveningen. I remember seeing, in Salt in Their Blood, that the Lam had 40 guns and a crew of 145 men. In the published list from 1652, near the beginning of the war, Jan Tijssen's ship only carried 32 guns and had a crew of 110 men. We know the composition of his squadron at Scheveningen by the orders he gave to the individual captains. These are documented in The First Dutch War, Vol.V. Asterisks (*) denote estimates. The ships are in the order that they are mentioned, except that we include De Ruyter's ship. At this time, Jacob Wolfertszoon's ship is the only one that is really unknown.

Captain/Admiral	"Admiralty"	Ship
Michiel De Ruyter	Vlissingen Directors	Witte Lam, 40 guns
Dingeman Cats	Zeeland	Gekroonde Liefde, 23 guns
Hendrick Kroeger	Amsterdam	Leiden, 28 guns
Lt-Commander Anthonis Fappenlain (or Anthonis Foppenthey), Lieutenant of Tijs Tijmenszoon Peereboom	Noorderkwartier	Peereboom, 24 guns
Jan Olivierszoon	Veere Directors	Wapen van der Veere, 38 guns
Gillis Janszoon	Zeeland	Zeeridder, 28 guns
Adriaan Corneliszoon van Ackersloot	Amsterdam Directors	Moor, 34 guns
Frans Mangelaar	Zeeland	Liefde, 30 guns
Evert Pieterszoon Swart	Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC	Gerechtigheid
Bastiaan Centen (Senten or Centsen)	Zeeland	Haes
Jan Pieterszoon Strijp	Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC	Huis van Nassau
Markus Hartman	Zeeland	Gekroonde Liefde, 34 guns
Jacob Wolfertszoon	Zeeland	Unknown ship, 28 guns*
Jacob Swart (possibly Jacob Cornelisz. Swart)	Amsterdam Directors	Faam, 28 guns
Pieter de Bitter	Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC	Mercurius, 40 guns

That would give De Ruijter's squadron a strength of 15 ships, which is plausible., although I would have guessed his squadron to be larger.

Dutch Captain: Jan Janszoon Maauw

Jan Janszoon Maauw served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In August 1666, he commanded the old frigate Kasteel van Medemblik (30 guns). He commanded her in the St. James's Day Battle, where he was assigned to Cornelis Tromp's squadron. In 1667, he commanded the Caleb (48 guns). He took part in the Raid on Chatham in May and the Raid on Harwich in July. In 1671, he commanded the frigate Mercurius (24 guns). In 1672, he fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he commanded the Noorderkwartier (60 guns). The Noorderkwartier had five men killed and ten wounded. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

The list of ships at Vlissingen in July 1653

The list of ships at Vlissingen in July 1653 indicates that the Directie van Edam had one ship at the Battle of the Gabbard and it was captured. The Directie van Monnikendam had two ships at the Battle of the Gabbard. One was captured (actually, "taken", genomen)and the other survived. There is a note that the surviving ship was "een groot schip". There is a note that one of the four ships of the Admiralty of Friesland was sunk. Another is "Is overgegeven van Engelschen" or something similar to that. I would translate that literally as "has been delivered of the English". The ship belonging to the Directie van Harlingen was ready, but small (maer klein), and was in the Texel. The title of the list is deceiving, as while most ships were off Vlissingen, some were at Goeree and others (Witte de With's squadron) were in the Texel roads. The document that I am studying is four pages and is from the Nationaal Archief, from the Staten Generaal 1.01.04, inventory number 5556.

I'm still fascinated by the "Man van Edam"

Mr. Carl Stapel found the information about Hendrick Pieterszoon's ship that Schaap called the "Man van Edam". The dimensions given, interestingly enough are about those of the Resolution (Prince Royal) that fought on the English side in the First Anglo-Dutch War. I intend to check the copy of the manuscript for the list of ships at Vlissingen in July 1653, to see if I can find anything more about the issue of Harlingen Directors vs. Edam Directors vs. Monnikendam Directors vs. Admiralty of Friesland.

Dutch Captain: Dirk de Munnik

Dirk de Munnik served the Admiralty of the Maze. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle in August 1666. He commanded the jacht Lopende Hert (8 guns and a crew of 20 men). He was assigned to De Ruyter's division. In July 1667, he took part in the Raid on Harwich, where he commanded the snauw Faam (12 guns). He fought in the Battle of the Texel in August 1673, where he commanded the fireship Maria (4 guns). He was assigned to Aert van Nes's division. Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedryf van den Heere Michiel De Ruiter, 1687.
2. Jaap R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

The First Dutch War on Hendrik Pieterszoon's ship

The First Dutch War has several references to Hendrik Pieterszoon's ship as being an Edam Director's ship. It is interesting that Schaap calls the ship the Man van Edam (or I would guess, the Maan van Edam). It was Dr. Elias who called the ship Halve Maan a Monnikendam Director's ship, in his list of ships lost at the Gabbard (Nieuwpoort).

Dutch Captain: Hendrik Titus, Graaf van Nassau

Hendrik Titus, Graaf van Nassau, served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. Dr. Bruijn wrote that he was killed in action on June 7, 1673, while in command of the Provincie van Utrecht (60 guns). On the other hand, I have notes that indicate that a Hendrik Titus, Graaf van Nassau commanded the Friesland (62 guns) in 1688 and the Prinses Maria (92 guns) in 1696. R. C. Anderson indicates pretty decisively that he was killed at the First Schooneveld battle, so the other notes must be about some other man. We do know that he fought in the Battle of Solebay, where he commanded the frigate Haas (24 guns). His ship was attached to Van Ghent's squadron at Solebay. Anderson writes that his ship was heavily damaged in the battle and was sent home. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. J. R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering ter zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, 1966.

The ship "Man van Edam" (perhaps the Maan van Edam?)

Mr. Carl Stapel passed on an interesting bit of information from J.C.M. Schaap's article about Friesland ships:

"An odd one in the article of C.J.W. Schaap, the
Director's ship called Man van Edam

Man van Edam --- Directie Friesland  44 guns
168ft ( ? ) x  47ft  x  19ft

First mentioned in 1653

captain in 1653--Hendrik Pietersz.

This is interesting, as a Hendrik Pieterszoon was said to have commanded a Monnikendam Directors' ship called the Halve Maen. I wondered if "Man van Edam" might actually be "Maan van Edam". An argument against this theory is that the English captured the Halve Maan at the Battle of the Gabbard (Nieuwpoort) and took her into service as the Half Moon. They measured her at 97ft x 25ft x 10ft-8in and 322 tons (English). The 97ft is the length on the keel and the beam is measured outside the planking. The depth in hold is measured at the center of the deck. This is obviously a much smaller ship than that mentioned by Schaap.

Dutch Captain: Klaas Anker

Klaas Anker (Claes Ancker) served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. He was in De Ruyter's fleet in August 1665, where he commanded the Hollandsche Tuin (56 guns). He was assigned to Cornelis Tromp's squadron. He fought in the St. James's Day Battle in August 1666, where he commanded the old Eendracht (44 guns) built in 1639. He was assigned to Jan Corneliszoon Meppel's division. He commanded the Alkmaar in 1672. He fought in the Battle of Solebay, where the Alkmaar carried 62 guns. He was assigned to De Ruyter's squadron. In the battle, the Alkmaar had two men severely wounded and five lightly wounded. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, Journals and Narratives of the Third Dutch War, 1946.
2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Dutch Captain: Jan Bankert

Jan Bankert served the Admiralty of Zeeland. He was the son of Joost Bankert de Oude and Adriana Janszoon. He was appointed as a captain in 1653. He was married to Jannetje Hannot. He died on June 13, 1665. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he commanded the frigate Delft (34 guns and a crew of 181 men). Sources:

1. Dr. Carl Ballhausen, Der Erste Englisch-Hollandische Seekrieg 1652-1654, 1923.
2. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
3. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

New from Mr. Carl Stapel: the Jonge Prins of 1634

Mr. Carl Stapel recently sent information about the Noorderkwartier ship Jonge Prins, built in 1634. This is based on my translation of what he sent:

Jonge Prins       1634

Adm Name                 Length Beam  Hold      Guns    In service:
N   Jonge Prins          120    28    11.5      28      1634-1665

Built in 1634

Armament in 1634 (or is it July 1654?): 
28 guns, consisting of the following: 
bronze: 2-24 pdr and 2-12 pdr
Iron:   8-12 pdr, 8-8 pdr, 2-5 pdr, 4-4 pdr, and 2-2 pdr  

Date    Captain                  Guns Sailors Soldiers Notes
   1652 Cornelis Barentsz Slordt 28   115              Mediterranean Sea 
 3/1653 Cornelis Barentsz Slordt 28                    Battle of Livorno (Leghorn)
   1654 Cornelis Barentsz Slordt 28
   1658 Govert Cornelisz 't Hoen 30   110              Battle of the Sound
   1659 Govert Cornelisz 't Hoen 30   110              against Sweden. 
                                                       On 24 June, was hunted
                                                       by Sweden on the coast at
                                                       Korsens, and the impression
                                                       was that the ship was entirely
                                                       lost, but the ship made its
                                                       way independently and 
                                                       rejoined the fleet.
   1664 Jan Halffhoorn           36 
 6/1665 Jan Halffhoorn           36   110 24           Battle of Lowestoft     

The ship was captured by the English at the Battle of Lowestoft

Dutch Captain: Lieuwe van Hasevelt

Lieuwe van Hasevelt served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft, where he commanded the Harderin (38 guns and a crew of 148 men). He was assigned to Egbert Meeuwssen Kortenaer's squadron. He was in De Ruyter's fleet in August 1665. He was assigned to Cornelis Tromp's squadron. In August, the Harderin carried 40 guns and had a crew of 126 sailors, 13 marines, and 17 soldiers. this is one of the few lists that provide information about marines carried. Usually, they are combined with sailors. Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijif van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, 1687.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Dutch Captain: Ysbrandt de Vries

Ysbrandt de Vries served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. In 1658, he commanded the ship Harderin (34 guns) in De Ruyter's fleet that was sent to the coast of Portugal in June 1658. In 1659, he commanded the Gouda (40 guns) in De Ruyter's fleet that was sent to the Sound. He fought in the Battle of Lowestoft in 1665, where he commanded the Doesburg (48 guns). He was assigned to Egbert Meeuwssen Kortenaer's squadron. In August 1665, he was in De Ruyter's fleet. In May 1667, he commanded the Stavoren (46 guns) in the Raid on Chatham. Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedryf van den Heere Michiel De Ruiter, 1687.
2. Frank Fox, A Distant Storm: the Four Days' Battle of 1666, 1996.

Dutch Captain: Jan Frederikszoon Hoekboot (UPDATED)

According to the list in the 1652 edition of the Hollandsche Mercurius, Jan Frederikszoon Hoekboot (the Hollandsche Mercurius calls him Jan Friedrickszoon Houcbout) commanded an Edam Directors' ship in June 1652. The ship carried 30 guns and had a crew of 110 men. There is also a manuscript from the Nationaal Archief that lists captain's names from this same period. Hendrik de Raedt's pamphlet of the fleet that went to the Shetlands in July and August 1652, and was disrupted by the great storm, confirms that Jan Frederikszoon Hoekboot to part. He fought in the Battle of Dungeness in December 1652. Andrew passed on information from Mr. Carl Stapel that seems to indicate that with his name spelled Jan Frederikszoon Hoekboot, he served the Admiralty of Amsterdam and was in the Mediterranean under De Ruyter's command in 1657. We do know that he fought at the Battle of the Gabbard, and was accused of not doing his duty, but he was acquitted at a courtmartial. He was said to have died in April 1657. I believe that the information form 1657 is probably from Brandt, but I might be mistaken. Sources:

1. Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedryf van den Heere Michiel De Ruiter, 1687.
2. Pieter Casteleyn, Hollandsche Mercurius, 1652.
3. Johan E. Elias, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.V, 1928.
4. Dr. S. R. Gardiner, and C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol.III, 1906.
5. Hendrik de Raedt, Lyste van de schepen van Oorloge onder het beleyt Admirael Marten Harpersz. Tromp, 1652