Dutch Naval Officer: Cornelis Claeszoon

Cornelis Claeszoon was a Zeeland naval officer. He lived from 1543 until he died at Vlissingen on 15 December 1611. He started in the Zeeland Sea Beggars, fighting Spain. In 1572, he fought in the capture of Den Briel and afterwards on the Scheldt, where he burnt four Spanish ships at Sluys. In 1573, he served under Vice-Admiral De Moor. In 1574, he distinguished himself under Boisot in the Battle of Reimerswaal, in the relief of Leiden, and in a battle with the Antwerp fleet. In 1588, he was a Vice-Admiral of Zeeland. Also, in 1588, he was with the fleet blockading Parma during the Armada campaign. In 1594, he commanded squadron on the Flemish coast. Luc Eekhout says that Cornelis Claeszoon left the service on 1 October 1586, although he concedes that he was a Vice-Admiral in 1588. In 1602, he was in charge of personnel for the Admiralty of Zeeland. In 1608, he was on the council for the Admiralty of the Maze. Sources:

1. Luc Eekhout, Het Admiralenboek: De Vlagofficieren van de Nederlandse marine 1382-1991, 1992
2. J. C. Mollema, De Eere Rol, from Geschiedenis van Nederland ter Zee, Vol.II, 1940