Battles & Campaigns · 1672
Battle of Solebay
Sole Bay, off Southwold, Suffolk, England
What happened
A Dutch fleet under Michiel de Ruyter attacked an English and French fleet led by the Duke of York and Jean d'Estrées. The English and French ships had stopped at Sole Bay to refit when the Dutch attacked. The fighting lasted most of the day, and the French squadron was kept largely apart from the main fight. By nightfall neither side had clearly won at sea.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The allies gave up their plan to land troops on the Dutch coast. The naval writer Mahan called the battle 'vital' for the Dutch Republic.
What came next
The fleets met again in 1673 at Schooneveld and Texel. England left the war with the Treaty of Westminster in 1674.
Did you know?
De Ruyter's sailors called him Bestevaêr, which means 'grandfather'.
Timeline
- March 1672England goes to war with the Dutch Republic.
- June 1672Battle of Solebay.
- 21 August 1673De Ruyter wins at Texel.
- 1674The Treaty of Westminster ends England's part in the war.