Battle of Camperdown
North Sea off Camperduin, North Holland, Netherlands
What happened
A British fleet under Admiral Adam Duncan fought the Dutch (Batavian) fleet under Admiral Jan Willem de Winter. Earlier in 1797, mutinies had spread through the British fleet, and Duncan had kept his own crew loyal. In October the Dutch fleet put to sea, and Duncan attacked it in two columns, breaking through its line. After a hard fight, the Dutch flagship and ten other ships surrendered.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It broke the Dutch navy as a fighting force and gave Britain control of the North Sea. It also badly damaged French plans to invade Ireland with Dutch help.
What came next
Duncan was made Viscount Duncan of Camperdown. The land he was given became Camperdown Park in his home city of Dundee.
Did you know?
When the flags of Duncan's ship were shot down, a sailor named Jack Crawford climbed the mast under fire to put them back, so the ship would not seem to have surrendered.
Timeline
- Spring 1797Mutinies at Spithead and the Nore.
- 11 October 1797Duncan wins at Camperdown.
- 1797Duncan is made Viscount Duncan of Camperdown.