After the failed Islands Voyage, Essex expects to remain in command, but Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham, is sent to take charge. Howard immediately gets the fleet to sea, in sharp contrast with the preceding command disputes. Storms had already scattered the Spanish force. Of roughly 140 ships, six were captured and 22 were sunk or destroyed by storms, while about 1,500 personnel were killed or captured. Philip II bears blame for choosing commanders who depended on royal direction after the death of Santa Cruz.
Notable Point · 33:54-36:25
Charles Howard takes the fleet to sea against the Third Spanish Armada
Charles Howard takes the English fleet promptly to sea while storms and Philip II’s command system help break the Third Spanish Armada.