Medway and the price of naval unreadiness

The war was a hard lesson in the difference between growing trade and maintaining a battle-ready fleet. Dutch investment after the first war produced a more capable battle fleet that forced the Royal Navy to improve logistics, command, and professional practice. The raid on the Medway then exposed England's failure to mobilize, man, and protect laid-up ships in time. A few prepared regiments and properly crewed shore batteries could have changed the result. Naval infrastructure is ineffective without readiness and secure bases.