The squadron had already been taken while trapped by ice during the French advance that established the Batavian Republic. Cavalry could approach because the frozen ships could neither maneuver away nor use their broadsides as they normally would against troops ashore. That extraordinary 1795 capture helps explain why the formation's institutional confidence was already weak. Vlieter was another crisis for a squadron with an unusually troubled recent history.
Notable Point · 12:10-14:12
Den Helder's damaged morale
The Den Helder squadron entered 1799 burdened by its extraordinary capture by French troops in 1795.