Battle of Barbados (1665) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Barbados
Part of the Second Anglo-Dutch War
Date 29 April 1665 Location Barbados, Caribbean Sea 13°05′N 59°37′W / 13.083°N 59.617°W / 13.083; -59.617 Result English victory
Belligerents
Dutch Republic	England
Commanders and leaders
Michiel de Ruyter	Francis Willoughby
Strength
13 ships 2,500 sailors & soldiers	Various shore defenses
Casualties and losses
400 casualties, many ships damaged	12 merchant ships destroyed 3 killed & 10 wounded

The Battle of Barbados was a naval fight near the island of Barbados in the Caribbean Sea. It happened on April 29, 1665, just before the official start of the Second Anglo-Dutch War. This battle was between English forces defending the island and a Dutch fleet led by Admiral Michiel de Ruyter.

Even though the Dutch destroyed many English merchant ships in Carlisle Bay, their own fleet was badly damaged. This meant they couldn't invade Barbados. The English successfully defended their island.

What Led to the Battle?

Rising Tensions Before the War

Before the battle, there were growing problems between England and the Dutch Republic. In 1664, English forces attacked Dutch ships and colonies. A big event was when England took over New Netherland, which became New York.

Dutch Prepare for Action

To respond to these attacks, the Dutch decided to send a large naval force. In October 1664, they prepared an expedition of twelve warships. This fleet was commanded by the famous Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. Their mission was to attack British territories.

War Is Declared

While Admiral de Ruyter's fleet was sailing, both England and the Dutch Republic officially declared war. This happened on March 4, 1665. The conflict became known as the Second Anglo-Dutch War.

The Battle of Carlisle Bay

Dutch Fleet Arrives at Barbados

On April 29, 1665, Admiral de Ruyter's fleet reached Barbados. His plan was to invade the island. First, he needed to deal with the forts and English warships protecting the area.

Entering Carlisle Bay

Early in the morning, de Ruyter's ships sailed around the point and entered Carlisle Bay. Inside the bay, they saw twenty-nine merchant ships.

Barbados Is Ready

However, the people of Barbados had been warned about the upcoming attack. They were well-prepared for a fight. Governor Francis Willoughby led the island's defenses. Most of the merchant ships in the bay were empty because their valuable goods had already been moved ashore.

Heavy Fighting Begins

As de Ruyter's fleet entered the bay, the forts and cannons along the shore opened fire. Some armed merchant ships also joined the defense. The battle was intense.

Dutch Fleet Damaged

After about an hour and a half, de Ruyter's forces had destroyed many of the English merchant ships. But the strong fire from the English defenses caused serious damage to the Dutch fleet. Admiral de Ruyter's own flagship, the Speigel, was hit hard. Nine men on board were killed, and 22 were wounded.

Dutch Retreat

The Dutch fleet could not break through the strong English defenses. Admiral de Ruyter decided to stop the attack. He pulled his ships out of the bay, which was a difficult task under heavy fire.

After the Battle

Repairs in Martinique

After the battle, Admiral de Ruyter managed to sail his damaged fleet to a neutral French port. They arrived at Saint-Pierre in Martinique on May 1. His ships needed many repairs.

Unable to Attack New York

Because his fleet was so badly damaged, de Ruyter could not continue his planned attack on English-held New York. The defense of Barbados had stopped his larger goals.

English Action in Saint Lucia

About a year later, Governor Willoughby learned that France had joined the Dutch side in the war. He then sent an expedition from Barbados. This force attacked the small French military base at Saint Lucia. The English captured Saint Lucia and set up a short-lived colony there.