English Captain: Francis Parke (Park)

Francis Parke (Park) served in the Commonwealth navy. From 1653 until 1655, he commanded the 4th Rate President. He fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, in June 1653, where he was assigned to Rear Admiral John Lawson's division in the Blue Squadron. He probably fought in the Battle of Scheveningen in August. His ship is listed on 13 September 1653 as being with the fleet. On 27 December 1653 (new style), he was engaged in protection of the collier trade. In 1656, he commanded the Dutch prize Matthias. From 1659 until 1660, to the Restoration, he commanded the 4th Rate Centurion. 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. C. T. Atkinson, Ed., The First Dutch War, Vol. VI, 1930