Battle of Texel

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Battle of Texel
Part of the Franco-Dutch War and Third Anglo-Dutch War
The Gouden Leeuw at the Battle of Texel, 21 August 1673, Van de Velde the Younger
Date 21 August [O.S. 11 August] 1673 Location Off Kijkduin, North Sea Result Dutch victory
Belligerents
Dutch Republic	England  France
Commanders and leaders
Michiel de Ruyter Cornelis Tromp Adriaen Banckert	Prince Rupert Edward Spragge † Jean d'Estrées
Strength
60 ships of the line 15 frigates 22 fireships 4,245 guns 20,000 men[1]	~100 ships of the line and frigates 28 fireships[1] Circa 6,000 guns 32,000 men[2]
Casualties and losses
1,000 killed	2,000 killed

The naval Battle of Texel or Battle of Kijkduin took place off the western coast of the island of Texel on 21 August 1673 (11 August O.S.) between the Dutch and the combined English and French fleets. It was the last major battle of the Third Anglo-Dutch War, which was itself part of the Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678), during which Louis XIV of France invaded the Republic and sought to establish control over the Spanish Netherlands. English involvement came about because of the Treaty of Dover, secretly concluded by Charles II of England, and which was highly unpopular with the English Parliament.

The overall commanders of the English and Dutch military forces were Lord High Admiral James, Duke of York, later James II, and Admiral-General William III of Orange, his son-in-law and another future King of England. Neither of them took part in the fight.

Prince Rupert of the Rhine commanded the Allied fleet of more than 100 warships and 28 fireships, taking control of the centre himself, with Jean II d'Estrées commanding the van, and Sir Edward Spragge the rear division. The Dutch fleet of 75 warships and 22 fireships was commanded by Lieutenant-Admiral-General Michiel de Ruyter, with Lieutenant-Admirals Adriaen Banckert in charge of the van and Cornelis Tromp the rear. Although the Dutch ships were smaller on average than their opponents, their crews were better trained and more experienced.