Battle of Muros Bay facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Muros
Part of the Italian War of 1542–1546
Date 25 July 1543 Location Estuary of Muros, A Coruña, Galicia Spain Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
France	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Jean de Clamorgan	Álvaro de Bazán
Strength
25 warships	16 warships
Casualties and losses
More than 3,000 casualties 3,000 prisoners 23 ships captured 1 ship sunk (Flagship)	300 dead and 500 wounded

The Battle of Muros Bay happened on July 25, 1543. It was a big naval fight in the Atlantic Ocean. The battle was part of the Italian War of 1542–1546. It was fought between the French fleet, led by Jean de Clamorgan, and the Spanish fleet, led by Álvaro de Bazán. Many people think this was the first large naval battle ever fought in the Atlantic.

Why the Battle Happened

In 1541, Francis I of France, the King of France, broke a peace agreement called the Truce of Nice. He teamed up with the Ottoman Empire, Denmark, and Sweden. Then, he declared war on Spain.

To get ready for this war, King Francis I prepared his navy. He even went to the port of Le Havre himself to check on the preparations. The French also planned to attack Spain's coast.

Emperor Charles I of Spain, who ruled Spain, was worried about these attacks. He told Álvaro de Bazán to gather a Spanish fleet in the Bay of Biscay. Bazán put together a fleet from ships in the regions of Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya. He waited with his ships near the port of Laredo. This spot was good for reaching both the French and Spanish coasts.

French Fleet Prepares

While Bazán was getting his fleet ready, he also had to transport soldiers. He used 15 of his ships to take infantry units to Flanders, delivering them by the end of June.

Meanwhile, the French finished their naval preparations. They sent 30 specially armed ships from the port of Bayonne to attack the Spanish coast. This French fleet was led by Jean de Clamorgan, who was known as France's best sailor.

Spanish Warning and Reinforcements

The French fleet reached the coast of Galicia. There, they captured two Spanish merchant ships. This made the Spanish Governor, Sancho de Leyva, send a warning to Álvaro de Bazán.

Bazán was still working to get his ships fully ready. When he got the warning, he asked for more help. He received reinforcements, which allowed him to finish preparing his ships quickly.

On July 10, the French fleet sailed past Laredo. They looted many villages, including Lage and Corcubión. They also held the city of Muros for ransom.

Because the situation was urgent, Álvaro de Bazán sailed to Muros as fast as he could. He hoped to surprise the French.

The Battle of Muros

The French ships were anchored at Muros on July 25, 1543, when Álvaro de Bazán's fleet attacked. Bazán had only 16 ships, but they were very large. This gave him an advantage over the 25 French ships.

Álvaro de Bazán encouraged his men before the fight. He reminded them that it was the day of St. James, who was the patron saint of Spain. He told them it would be impossible for the Spanish to lose a battle on such an important day.

Key Moments in the Fight

During the battle, Álvaro de Bazán focused on the French Admiral Clamorgan's flagship and another French ship nearby called the Hallebarde.

Seeing his chance, Álvaro de Bazán rammed and sank Admiral Clamorgan's flagship. After sinking the French Admiral's ship, Bazán turned his attention to the Hallebarde. His men boarded this ship and captured it.

After the Battle

The fighting was very intense and lasted for almost two hours. In the end, the French were completely defeated. Out of the 25 ships in the French invasion fleet, only one managed to escape.

The Spanish had about 800 casualties (people killed or wounded). However, the French suffered much more, with over 3,000 casualties.

Emperor Charles I of Spain and his son, Prince Philip, were very happy about Álvaro de Bazán's big victory. With the French fleet defeated, the coastal towns in northern Spain were safe. Spain also gained control of the Cantabrian Sea.

Images for kids

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  Coat of arms of the Kingdom of France.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Muros para niños