Michiel De Ruyter

I had not realized that in early December 1652, Michiel De Ruyter was Jan Evertsen's vice-admiraal. De Ruyter flew his flag on Jan Thyssen Matheeus's ship, the Vlissingen Directors' ship Witte Lam. I understand that when Witte de With left the fleet, prior to the Battle of Dungness on 10 December, De Ruyter was appointed to command Witte de With's squadron. The fleet was organized into four squadrons at this time. One was commanded by Lt-Admiraal Tromp, another by Jan Evertsen, another by Witte de With, and the fourth squadron by Pieter Florissen Blom. Of the lesser flag officers, De Ruyter was the most trusted of them to lead a squadron in battle.