English Captain: Eustace Smith

Eustace Smith served in both the Parliamentarian and Commonwealth navies. In 1644, he commanded the Hart frigate, a hired merchantman. In 1647, he commanded the John Adventure hired merchantman, when she was held in reserve. From 1652 to 1654, he commanded the Richard and Martha (40 guns) hired merchantman. The Richard and Martha was one of the more effective hired merchantmen, so he was present at many battles. He fought in the Battle of the Kentish Knock, in September 1652. In early 1653, he fought in the Battle of Portland. In June, he fought in the Battle of the Gabbard, where his ship carried 46 guns. He very likely fought in the Battle of Scheveningen, as well. From 1656 to 1657, he commanded the Lyme. He was with Robert Blake, during operations near Spain. Eustace Smith led an attack on Malaga Roads in June. Michael Baumber says that "The Lyme commanded by Eustace Smith , did particularly good work" in the attack on Teneriffe. Later in 1657, he commanded the 2nd Rate Rainbow. In 1658, he commanded the 3rd Rate Gloucester. In 1659, he commanded the 3rd Rate Speaker. Sources:

1. R. C. Anderson, "English Fleet-Lists in the First Dutch War," The Mariner's Mirror, Vol.XXIV No.4, October 1938.
2. R. C. Anderson, List of English Naval Captains 1642-1660, 1964.
3. Michael Baumber, General-at-Sea, 1989.