Maarten Tromp

Tromp was appointed Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland, the highest naval command in the Dutch Republic. This appointment recognized his successful campaigns against the Spanish and placed him in charge of the Dutch fleet.

Tromp commanded the Dutch fleet to a decisive victory over a Spanish fleet at the Battle of the Downs. The Dutch destroyed or captured most of the Spanish ships, ending Spanish naval power in the North Sea and securing Dutch independence.

Tromp led the Dutch fleet against the English under Robert Blake at the Battle of the Kentish Knock. The Dutch were defeated, but the battle demonstrated the growing naval power of both nations during the First Anglo-Dutch War.

Tromp defeated an English fleet under Robert Blake at the Battle of Dungeness. This victory gave the Dutch temporary control of the English Channel and allowed them to protect their merchant convoys.

Tromp fought a three-day battle against Robert Blake at the Battle of Portland. The Dutch were forced to retreat after heavy losses, and Tromp was killed in action during the final day of the battle.