Coordinates: 51°12′N 1°30′E / 51.2°N 1.5°E / 51.2; 1.5
Battle of the Downs | |||||||
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Part of the Eighty Years' War | |||||||
The Battle of the Downs by Willem van de Velde, 1659. RijksMuseum. |
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Belligerents | |||||||
Spain |
United Provinces | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Antonio de Oquendo | Maarten Tromp | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
53 warships (Dutch claim) 38 (Spanish claim) |
95 warships | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
See losses section | See losses section |
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The naval Battle of the Downs took place on 21 October 1639 (New style), during the Eighty Years' War, and was a decisive defeat of the Spanish, commanded by Admiral Antonio de Oquendo, by the United Provinces, commanded by Lieutenant-Admiral Maarten Tromp.
Read more about Battle Of The Downs: Background, Opening Phase, The Battle, Losses, Aftermath
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