The wider war included major convoy actions as well as the fleet encounter at Kentish Knock. At Plymouth, Michiel de Ruyter commanded thirty-six ships against George Ayscue's forty-five while burdened by poorly trained crews, poorly maintained vessels, and only about two months of supplies. He tried to fight before the convoy itself constrained his manoeuvre and nevertheless secured a Dutch victory. Such victories help explain Dutch confidence in their maritime strategy despite Witte de With's criticism of their reluctance to seek a decisive fleet battle.
Notable Point · 1:21:56-1:23:40
De Ruyter wins at Plymouth with an overworked convoy fleet
The Battle of Plymouth showed that De Ruyter could protect a convoy and defeat a larger Commonwealth force despite poor training, maintenance, and limited supplies.