Martín de Bertendona facts for kids

Don Martín de Bertendona (born in Bilbao, 1530–died 1604) was a very important officer in the Spanish Navy. He served under King Philip II and King Philip III of Spain. He took part in the famous Spanish Armada and helped capture the well-known English ship Revenge in 1591.

A Seafaring Family

Don Martín de Bertendona came from a powerful family in Bilbao, a city known for its ships. His family owned a shipyard and many merchant ships. They also played a big part in the Spanish navy. Some of their ships even served as royal flagships in 1522 and 1554. Young Martín de Bertendona learned about naval warfare from a very young age. He was part of his first military campaign in 1546.

Leading Fleets

By 1583, Don Martín had become the commander of the fleet that protected Spain's Atlantic coast. This happened while the main commander was busy in the Azores. In 1587, he played a key role in planning and leading the Spanish Armada. During the Armada campaign, he commanded the Levant Squadron. This group had huge Mediterranean cargo ships that carried soldiers and supplies for the planned invasion of England. His own flagship was the biggest ship in the Armada. However, it did not have many weapons and was best for fighting up close, by boarding enemy ships.

Don Martín had correctly guessed the main problems the Armada would face. These included not having a safe, deep harbor and the English ships being able to avoid close combat. Still, he believed the Spanish would have won if they had continued their attack at Gravelines.

Bertendona brought his flagship safely back to Spain. In 1589, he helped successfully defend A Coruña against an invasion attempt by Sir Francis Drake. After that, he often took part in the Brittany Campaign.

Capturing the Revenge

English stories describe the last fight of the Revenge as a brave stand by one English ship against fifty Spanish ships. But Spanish reports tell a different story. They describe the battle almost as a one-on-one fight between Don Martín and Sir Richard Grenville.

Spanish reports show that Don Martín's two ships from Bilbao caught up with the fleeing English fleet. The larger ship, the San Felipe, reached the Revenge first. But it could not get close enough and was forced away by English gunfire. Then Don Martín's flagship, the smaller San Bernabé, arrived. It slowed the English ship by cutting its front sail with its bowsprit. Then, it got very close alongside the Revenge.

Don Martín then began a long, tough fight. He used cannons and musket fire, keeping his men safe. He did not try to storm the English ship's deck. This was a smart move, as three other Spanish ships that tried this as night fell had terrible results.

By the next morning, the San Bernabé had pounded the famous English ship into surrendering.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1592, Bertendona led a group of ships across the Bay of Biscay to help the Catholic League. His repaired ship, the San Bernabé, was his flagship. In 1596–97, Don Martín was involved in new plans to invade England. But these plans were stopped by delays and bad storms.

In early 1598, he took overall command. He successfully led the Spanish fleet up the English Channel. But this time, their goal was the Spanish Netherlands, and the main fight was the war with Holland. Bertendona tried to argue for a campaign against England, but he was not successful. After the Peace of Vervins, he returned to Spain.

His superiors called off more expeditions in 1601 and 1602. However, since 1588, Don Martín had also commanded the navy forces of his home region of Biscay. He focused his energy on building a new fleet. This included fast ships inspired by the Dunkirk frigates.

Don Martín de Bertendona lived to see England ask for peace in 1604. Almost right after this, he retired from his command and died.

See also

In Spanish: Martín de Bertendona para niños