Battle of the Bay of Biscay (1592) Facts for Kids

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Battle of the Bay of Biscay (1592)

Part of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604)

Photography of the Bay of Biscay by Tom Bayly.

Date	November 1592
Location	Bay of Biscay, Atlantic Ocean
Result	Spanish victory

Belligerents

England

Spain

Commanders and leaders

Unknown

Pedro de Zubiaur

Strength

6 warships
40 merchant ships

5 flyboats

Casualties and losses

Flagship boarded and burned
Several ships damaged
3 ships captured

1 flyboat damaged

The Battle of the Bay of Biscay of 1592 was an important sea battle. It happened in November 1592 in the Bay of Biscay. This battle was part of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604). It was also linked to the French Wars of Religion.

A Spanish naval force fought against an English convoy. The Spanish force had 5 small, fast ships called flyboats. They were led by Captain Don Pedro de Zubiaur. The English convoy had 40 merchant ships. They were protected by 6 warships.

Even though the Spanish were outnumbered, they attacked the English ships. They had a big victory. The main English ship, called the flagship, was attacked and set on fire. This caused a lot of confusion among the English ships.

Soon after, six more English warships arrived. These ships were sent by Queen Elizabeth I of England. They were going to Bordeaux to help the French Protestants. They tried to defend the convoy. After a long and tough fight, the Spanish won the battle. They captured three more English ships. Several other English ships were also badly damaged.

The next year, on April 18, another battle happened in the same waters. English Admiral Wilkenson led an English naval force. But Captain Zubiaur's Spanish forces defeated them. This battle took place off the coast of Blaye. Blaye was a town surrounded by Protestant forces during the French Wars of Religion.

Battle of the Bay of Biscay (1592) facts for kids

See also