2 minute: Battle of Texel

The Dutch fleet drew on several admiralities, while the opposing side combined French ships with a British contingent organized by Charles II. Its officers came from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England.

Spragge and Tromp pursue a personal contest during a battle already marked by poor command and control. Prince Rupert performs badly as supreme commander, while De Ruyter handles the Dutch side well.

Louis XIV ordered the French admiral not to risk his ships, so he fought cautiously. When that caution later brought a charge of cowardice, France acquitted him for obeying the king.

Texel is often called a tactical draw because the allies lost no ships, despite roughly 2,000 casualties. The case for a Dutch tactical victory challenges that verdict, while preventing an invasion secured the Dutch strategic victory.