Four Days’ Battle (Anglo-Dutch Wars) war movies

Four Days’ Battle 1 June 1666

After First Anglo-Dutch war the Dutch navy was undergoing a major reform under new commander, Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, that included switching from mass production of merchant-only oriented ships to production of large warships and also introduction of English-like system of signal flags.

English were looking for a chance of stopping the growth of Dutch navy and during the Second Anglo-Dutch War Admiral Monck challenged de Ruyter forces near Dunkirk hoping to prevent the French from joining forces with Dutch fleet. The battle lasted 4 days and proved that Dutch have learned their lesson from previous conflict - now under new command they were able not only to match the power of English navy, but even force them to retreat.

While losses in numbers were not great (10 of 80 English ships and 4 of 84 Dutch were destroyed) it was a great victory for the Dutch Republic proving that the domination of England on the seas was again in danger.

Michiel de Ruyter 2015

The portrait of Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter, who challenged the English navy in 17th century and saved his country independence during a difficult time for Netherlands.