Dutch ships that were definitely at the Battle of the Gabbard (1653)

Admittedly, this is a pretty unwieldy list, but nothing like this has been previously published. Dr. Carl Ballhausen lists other ships and captains, but these have not been included, until they can be verified. Most of Dr. Ballhausen's estimates are unsupportable, so we can't be too trusting.

These are based on what is in the inventory of Dutch ships that had been at the Battle of the Gabbard, and were listed in July 1653, at Vlissingen. This is from an unpublished document from the Nationaal Archief at the Hague. Other ships are primarily from Dr. Elias' book, Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen (6 volumes), published between 1916 and 1930. A few are from the Navy Records Society 6-volume set, The First Dutch War.

Ships are listed alphabetically, by captain (in some cases, it is the more usual last name used for the captain).

The Admiralty key is:

A	Amsterdam
A-D	Amsterdam Directors
Ed-D	Edam Directors (Noorderkwartier)
F	Friesland
Ha-D	Harlingen Directors (Friesland)
Mi-VOC	Middelburg Chamber of the VOC (the United East India Company)
Mo-D	Monnikendam Directors (Noorderkwartier)
NQ	Noorderkwartier (the archaic spelling is Noorderquartier)
R	Rotterdam (the Maas or Maze)
R-VOC	Rotterdam Chamber of the VOC
Z	Zeeland

*=estimates

You will notice some unfamiliar names. Those that are not estimates are based on unpublished manuscripts from the Nationaal Archief, in the Hague. There is a tremendous volume of information in the Archives, especially about the Amsterdam Directors' ships.

Ship, guns	Admiralty	captain/admiral
Brak, 18 guns	A	Jan Admiraal
Prins Willem, 28 guns	A	Jan Janszoon Boermans
Bommel, 30 guns	A	Pieter van Brakel
Kameel, 28 guns*	F	Joost Bulter-sunk
Groningen, 40 guns	A	Gillis Tijssen Campen
Gekroonde Liefde, 23 guns	Z	Dingeman Cats
Westergo, 28 guns	F	Tijmen Claeszoon-captured
Prins te Paard, 38 guns	R	Jacob Cleydyck
Postpaert, 28 guns*	F	Isaak Codde
Catarina, 28 guns	A-D	Jan Jacobszoon Coppe-captured
Groningen*, 28 guns	Ha-D	Andries Douweszoon
Zon, 28 guns	Ed-D	Jacob Claeszoon Duym-lost
Leeuwin, 30 guns	Z	Jan Evertsen, Claes Janszoon-captain
Monnikendam, 36 guns	NQ	Pieter Florissen
Eendracht, 24 guns	Z	Andries Fortuijn
Gekroonde Liefde, 36 guns	Z	Markus Hartman
Windhond, 18 guns	A	Dirk Pieterszoon Heertjes
Kasteel van Medemblik, 30 guns	NQ	Adriaan Houttuijn
Gideon van Sardam, 34 guns	A-D	Ulrich de Jaeger
David en Goliad, 34 guns	A-D	Claes Bastiaenszoon Jaersveld
Sint Vincent, 28 guns	F-D	Adriaan Gerritszoon Kleijntien
Amsterdam, 30 guns	Z	Adriaan Kempen
Leiden, 28 guns	A	Hendick Kroeger
Fazant, 32 guns	A	Jan Janszoon Lapper
Sint Matheeus, 36 guns	A-D	Cornelis Laurenszoon (larger)-captured
Sint Matheeus, 34 guns	A-D	Cornelis Naeuoogh (smaller)
Neptunus, 28 guns	Z	Adriaan Janszoon den Oven-lost
Halve Maan, 32 guns*	Mo-D	Hendrick Pieterszoon-captured
Leeuwarden, 36 guns	A	Govert Reael
Rooseboom, 28 guns	A-D	Bartholomeus Rietbeeck-captured
Prinses Louise, 36 guns	R	Abel Roelants (Vader Abel)
Hoop, 30 guns	A	Boëtius Schaeff-killed
Dolphijn, 32 guns	A	Gerbrand Schatter
Stad Medemblik, 30 guns	NQ	Pieter Schellinger-captured
Elias, 34 guns	A-D	Frans Franszoon Sluyter-captured
Prinses Aemelia, 28 guns	A	Jan Fransz. Smit, Lt. of Jan Ter Stegen-lost
Gulden Pelikaan, 28 guns	A-D	Barend Tijmenszoon Soudaen-captured
Brederode, 54 guns	R	Lt-Admiral Tromp
Omlandia, 30 guns	A	Jacob Troucquois
Gelderland, 28 guns	A	Cornelis van Velsen-Blown up
Graaf Willem, 40 guns	A	Jan Gideonszoon Verburch-Lost
Walvisch, 30 guns	A-D	Abraham Verleth
Swarte Bul, 36 guns*	Mi-VOC	Willem Volckertszoon
David en Goliad, 42 guns*	R-VOC	Jan Adriaanszoon van de Werff
Vrede, 44 guns	A	Gideon de Wildt
Vrijheid, 46 guns	A	Witte de With, Abraham van der Hulst, captain
Campen, 42 guns	A	Willem van der Zaan
Gloeyenden Oven, fireship	Z	unknown captain-captured

We also know that other naval officers were present, but there is some doubt about what ship they were in (such as Michiel Adriaanszoon de Ruyter).

Pieter Florissen

All kinds of things show up in Google. I just a listing that shows that the Noorderkwartier admiral's name was actually Pieter Florisse Blom (another way of saying Florissen or Floriszoon), and that his father was Floris Hendrickszoon Blom. Pieter Florissen's wife was Lidewij Teding van Berkhout. Pieter Florissen was born in 1602 and died in 1658, killed in the Battle of the Sound.

Evert Pieterszoon Swart and the Gerechtigheid

I had not realized it, but we know the captain of the ship, Gerechtigheid, which belonged to the Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC. The Gerechtigheid took part in the Battle of the Gabbard and the Battle of Scheveningen.

As early as April 17, 1653 (new style), the Gerechtigheid was with Witte de With, when his squadron sailed.

We know the captain's name from Dr. Elias book, Schetsen uit de Geschiedenis van ons Zeewezen, volumes V and VI, and from Vol.IV of The First Dutch War, p.323.

Maarten Jacobszoon de Boer

I have only sparse information about Maarten de Boer. What I have is from Dr. Bruijn's book from 1966 and from my unpublished list.

Maarten de Boer lived from 1641 to 1681. He was a captain of the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In 1673, he commanded the ship Gelderland (45 guns).

Ship:	Gelderland
Date:	8/1673
Guns:	45
Sailors:	226
Soldiers:	20
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Built:	1654
Length:	136ft
Beam:	36ft
Hold:	13-1/2ft

Cornelis Jacobszoon de Boer

Cornelis Jacobszoon de Boer lived from 1631 to 16 June 1673. He served the Admiralty of the Noorderkwartier. In 1652, he was an Extraordinary Captain and a Captain in 1661.

In 1658, he commanded the Jupiter (32 guns) in the Battle of the Sound. In 1661, he commanded the Asperen (32 guns) in the Mediterranean Sea, under De Ruyter. In 1665, he commanded the Gelderland (56 guns) in the Battle of Lowestoft. In 1666, he commanded the Wapen van Holland (48 guns) in the St. James Day Battle. In 1672, he commanded the Jupiter at the Battle of Solebay. In 1663, he commanded the Wapen van Holland at the First Battle of Schooneveld, where he was wounded and died of his wounds on 7 June.

Captain De Boer's ships as noted in sources:

Ship:	Jupiter
Date:	1658
Guns:	32
Sailors:	111
Soldiers:	55
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Built:	1653
Length:	132ft
Beam:	32ft
Hold:	12-1/2ft

Ship:	Gelderland
Date:	6/1665
Guns:	56
Crew:	264
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Built:	1654
Length:	136ft
Beam:	36ft
Hold:	13-1/25ft

Ship:	Gelderland
Date:	8/1665
Guns:	56
Sailors:	200
Marines:	47
Soldiers:	45
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Build:	1654
Length:	136ft
Beam:	36ft
Hold:	13-1/2ft

Ship:	Wapen van Holland
Date:	8/1666
Guns:	48
Crew:	226
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Built:	1664 (estimated)

Ship:	Wapen van Holland
Date:	1671
Guns:	48
Sailors:	160
Soldiers:	54
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Built:	1664 (estimated)

Ship:	Wapen van Holland
Date:	23/5/1673
Guns:	46
Sailors:	196
Soldiers:	4
Built:	1664 (estimated)

A French intelligence report from the early 1670's, found by Prof. Jan Glete, and shared with me, gives some dimensions for the Wapen van Holland. The information is actually from Jan Glete's notes, taken from a document. The length is given as 131ft and the beam is given as 32ft.

The text is my translation of what is in Mollema's "Honor Roll". The ship information is from my unpublished list, Dutch Ships 1620-1700.

Willem Codde van der Burgh

Willem Codde van der Burgh lived from about 1600 to 1666. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was a captain in 1624 and commandeur in 1630.

In 1626, he fought against the Dunkirkers,hunted in the area and bombarded Dunkirk. In 1627, he served under Reael in the Atlantic Ocean and on the coast of Morocco. In 1628-1629, he fought against the Dunkirkers. In 1630, he was a squadron commander in the North Sea. In 1631, Hunted a Spanish ship with reinforcements for Dunkirk near the area of Calais. He accompanied a convoy to the Shetlands. In 1634-1636, he was a squadron commander before Dunkirk. In 1636, dismissed because of indignation of the Dutch people over the desultery manner of the blockade, is blessed. 1638-1639, he served under Tromp before Dunkirk and at the Battle of the Downs. In 1643, he left the service. He was proposed for Vice-Admiral in 1665.

This is my translation of what is in Mollema's "Honor Roll".

My list has two of his ships:

Ship:	Eendracht
Note date:	5/1628
Captain:	Willem Janszoon Codde
Guns:	36
Crew:	100
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Size:	300 lasts

Ship:	Mars
Note date:	1628
Captain:	Willem Janszoon Codde
Crew:	90
Admiralty:	Noorderkwartier
Size:	160 lasts

As lasts were often just estimated, and there was not a closed form calculation that you can perform, we can only guess at the dimensions. A way of estimating size would be:

Length x Beam x Hold / K, where K could be something like 237 or 217.

160 lasts x 237 = 116ft x 27-1/4ft x 12ft, for example.

This comes out quite nicely, and is a "standard" size.

300 lasts x 235 = 143ft x 34ft x 14-1/2ft

This makes for a large ship!

The Amsterdam Directors' ship Gulden Pelikaan

I don't imagine that too many people are aware of the specifications for the Pelikaan (18 March 1653), an Amsterdam Directors' ship. I have a copy of an unpublished manuscript from the Nationaal Archief, in the Hague, that has the following information:

Length: 126ft Beam: 26-3/4ft Hold: 12-1/5ft Height between decks: 6-1/4ft

Guns (28): 10-12pdr, 8-8pdr, 8-6pdr, 2-3pdr

I have been reviewing unpublished manuscript copies, and this was apparently the Gulden Pelikaan, not the ship commanded by Captain Overcamp, even though the adjective is omitted in the manuscript copy that I have.

The latter Pelikaan (or as the archaic spelling was, Pelicaen) was a ship belonging to the Admiralty of Amsterdam. There are three references to that ship. One is in "Thurloe", and is part of a list, and is reprinted in The First Dutch War, Vol.V, page 185. The other is on page 359, as part of a list of ships that had been at the Battle of Scheveningen and needed repairs.

We know that Pelikaan was also at the Gabbard, but survived. On 22 June 1653, the Pelikaan was lying in the Texel, with other surviving ships, after the battle (The First Dutch War, Vol.V, p.185). Therefore, we know the ship was at both the Gabbard and at Scheveningen.

The published reference to the Gulden Pelikaan is in Schetsen uit de geschiedenis van ons zeewezen, Vol.V, Note p.94. The note says that the Gulden Pelikaan was lost at the Battle of the Gabbard, and was commanded by Barend Tijmenszoon Soudaen.

Karel van der Putte

Karel van der Putte lived from about 1640 to 1695. He served the Admiralty of Zeeland.

In May 1672, at the time of the Battle of Solebay, he commanded the Zeeland frigate Ter Goes (34 guns). There is evidence that in both July and September 1672, he still commanded the Ter Goes. By 23 May 1673, he commanded the Domburg (60 guns). That was still true in August 1673, at the time of the Battle of the Texel (Kijkduin). In June 1674, he commanded the Vlissingen (50 guns). This was during the expedition to Martinique. He served under Michiel de Ruyter, and is listed with that fleet in Brandt's book. In 1688, he was a Vice-Admiral, and his flagship was the Gekroonde Burg (60 guns). He was in the fleet that took Willem III to England.

Sources:

Brandt, Gerard, Het Leven en Bedrijf van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, Amsterdam, 1687.

Bruijn, Drs. J.R., De Oorlogvoering Ter Zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, Groningen, 1966.

De Jonge, J.C., Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen, Vol. III, Zwolle, 1869.

Jan van Nes de Jonge Boer Jaap

On 26 February 1652, the Jonge Boer Jaap (Jan van Nes), commanded the small frigate, the Gelderland. At least, the 26 February 1652 Rotterdam admiralty manuscript says that. The details are:

Ship: Gelderland At Date: 2/1652 Captain: Jan van Nes de Jonge Boer Jaep Guns: 20 Admiralty: Rotterdam Length (Maas feet): 100ft (Amsterdam feet): 109 Beam (Maas feet): 23ft (Amsterdam feet): 25 Hold (Maas feet): 8ft (Amsterdam feet): 8-3/4

In August 1652, Lieutenant Jan van Nes commanded the ship Gelderland (26 guns, crew 90) in Michiel De Ruyter's fleet. This was said to be the Jonge Boer Jaep's ship. I believe that the Lieutenant actually was the younger Jan Janszoon van Nes, but that is somewhat unclear.

Dr. Elias makes clear, in Schetsen, that there were two men named Jan Jacobszoon van Nes. There was the "Oude Boer Jaep" and there was the "Jonge Boer Jaep". On 7 July 1652 (new style), he wrote an intelligence report from Gravesend, listing the English fleet. This was eventually passed to Lt-Admiral Tromp. On 12 August 1652, his ship was lying mastless, at Havre de Grâce, after a collision that sank the Friesland ship, Sint Nikolaas (23 guns). Apparently, J.C. de Jonge, in Vol.I of Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen has more information on page 771 and beyond.

Gerard van den Dussen

I am weak on information on the Dutch navy and naval officers, after 1683. The most obvious sources that I have seen really do not have that much, either. I rely, at least some, on J.C. de Jonge's Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Zeewezen.

Gerard van den Dussen was a "commandeur" in 1688, and took part in the voyage taking Willem III to England. He commanded the Zeelandia in this operation. In 1696, he was a captain in Lt-Admiral van Almonde's squadron, commanding the Unie. They seem to have been operating in a commerce protection role, which is not surprising.

Ship: Zeelandia At Date: 1688 Captain: G. van den Dussen Guns: 62 Crew: 290 Admiralty: Amsterdam Built: 1685 Length: 145 Beam: 38 Hold: 14.5

Ship: Unie At Date: 1696 Captain: G. van den Dussen Guns: 94 Crew: 500 Admiralty: Amsterdam Built: 1692 Length: 173 Beam: 45 Hold: 16.5

We continue to be indebted to Prof. Jan Glete for his help

I am not the only beneficiary of Jan Glete's help. He has also been advising the mastermind behind the "Sailing Warship index" website. His interest, as is my focus, is the Swedish navy. I am interested, right now, because I want to do a credible job on a Battle of the Sound scenario and OOB.

I had not realized, until I had started to do research, how much information was available about the Swedish fleet. I am greatly indebted to Teemu Koivumäki for the work he has done on the "Sailing Warship index". I have provided a link to his excellent site, as there is a wealth of information there (although we always need more).

Gillis Schey

Gillis Schey lived from 5 September 1644 to 15 June 1703. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was a Midshipman in 1656, Lieutenant in 1661, Extraordinary Captain in 1669, Captain in 1675, Schout-bij-Nacht in 1683, and Vice-Admiral in 1692.

In 1659, he served of commander of soldiers, under De Ruyter, at Funen. In 1664, he served with his father, in the Mediterranean Sea, under Cornelis Tromp. In 1665, he distinguished himself at Lowestoft. In 1666, he distinguished himself at the Four Days and St. James Day Battles, serving with his father. In 1667, he fought in the Raid on Chatham. In 1670, he fought under Van Ghent in the destruction of 6 Algerian ships. In 1673, he commanded the Tijdverdrijf (50 guns) at Schooneveld and the Battle of the Texel (Kijkduin). In 1674, he served under Cornelis Tromp in the voyage off the French coast. In 1675-1676, he commanded the Essen (50 guns) which was sunk in the Battle of Stromboli. He commanded the Spiegel (70 guns) in the Battles of Etna and Palermo. In 1678, he served under Evertsen in the relief force sent to Spain. In 1683, he served under Schepers in the voyage to the Sound and Göteborg. His ship was lost on the return voyage (along with many others, in a storm). In 1685-1686, he was a convoy commander in the Sound and the Mediterranean Sea. In 1688, he commanded the Wapen van Utrecht (62 guns) in the fleet that brought Willem III to England, fighting in the capture of Cork. In 1690, he commanded the Prinses Maria (92 guns) in the Battle of Beach Head. In 1692, he distinguished himself at La Hogue. In 1694-1695, he commanded under Almonde in the Channel. He took part in the bombardment of Dunkirk.

This is my translation of what is in Mollema's "Honor Roll".

Another Dirck Schey

This Dirck Schey lieved from 1614 to October 1679. He served the Admiralty of Amsterdam. He was an Extraordinary Captain in 1652 and an Ordinary Captain in 1654.

In 1652, Dirck Schey fought at Dover and Dungeness. In 1653, he fought at the Battle of Portland and he ship was taken. In 1657-1658, he commanded the Campen (42 guns) under De Ruyter in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1659, he commanded the Stad en Lande (50 guns) in the voyage to the Sound, Funen, and Nyborg. In 1663-1664, he distinguished himself, under Cornelis Tromp, against the Algerians. In 1665, he fought as temporary Vice-Admiral in the Oisterwijck (70 guns) at the Battle of Lowestoft. In 1666, he commanded the Gouda (40 guns) in the Four Days and St. James Day Battles. In 1667, he commanded the Spiegel (70 guns) in the Raid on Chatham. In 1672-1673, he commanded convoys to Spain and the Baltic. In 1674, he served under Cornelis Tromp in voyage off the French coast. In 1678, he served with the relief force sent to Spain.

This is from Mollema's "Honor Roll".

Dirck Schey's ships:

1652 Achilles, 28 guns, crew 100, built in 1644

1654 Zuiderhuis, 32 guns, built in 1653 (the ship later carried at least 40 guns)

1658 Campen, 42 guns, crew 150, built in 1652

1659 Stad en Lande, 50 guns, crew 225, built in 1653

1665 Oosterwijk, 60 guns, crew 290, built in 1653

1666 Gouda or Stad Gouda, 46 guns, crew of 192 sailors and 30 soldiers, built about 1656

1666-1671 Spiegel, 70 guns, crew 325 sailors and 50 soldiers, built in 1663

This information is from my unpublished document, Dutch Ships 1620-1700, mostly compiled in 2003.

Dirck Schey (1581 to about 1660)

There was an earlier Dirck Schey. In 1626, he was charged with taking money, from a Spanish barge on the Rhine intended for the States. In 1631, he distinguished himself at the capture of Schenkenschans.

This is my attempt at translating the entry in Mollema's "Honor Roll".

Jan Snellen

Jan Snellen lived from about 1630 to 1691. He served the Admiralty of the Maze (Rotterdam). In May 1673, he commanded the frigate Utrecht (34 guns). He was part of Michiel De Ruyter's squadron. His ship had a crew of 133 sailors and 27 soldiers. In June, he still commanded the Utrecht.

Sources:

Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijf van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, Amsterdam, 1687.

Dr. J.R. Bruijn, De Oorlogvoering Ter Zee in 1673 in Journalen en Andere Stukken, Groningen, 1966.

Barent Martenszoon

Barent Martenszoon served the Admiralty of Zeeland. At the time of the Battle of Solebay, Captain Martenszoon commanded the frigate Visschers Harder. His ship was part of Lt-Admiral Banckert's squadron. The ship carried 26 guns and had a crew of 57 sailors and 51 soldiers. Circa 21 May 1673, Captain Martenszoon commanded the frigate Goes, which had a crew of 142.

Source:

Gerard Brandt, Het Leven en Bedrijf van den Heere Michiel de Ruiter, Amsterdam, 1687.

The Carlbom book

The author's name for the book that has detailed Swedish ship information is Johan Levin Carlbom, who was born in 1854. The book to which I previously referred was published in 1905 (according to Dr. Ballhausen). This morning, I received a recommendation for Carlbom's books from Dan Schorr, who has a website that deals with 17th and 18th Century history in the Baltic (I hope I have not too badly characterized his site).

Swedish ships

I was pleasantly surprised at how much information is available about Swedish ships, mid-17th Century. The website, "Sailing Warships", to which I have contributed, is a very good source. For Danish prizes, I looked at his Danish section. I also found, to my amazement, that Dr. Ballhausen's book was a good source for the subject of Swedish warships. I found a reference to a new source, as I have already mentioned.

I have a new Excel spreadsheet for doing calculations about Swedish ships. I also calculated weights for a new set of guns, suitable for the Swedish ships. For the last 4 or 5 years, I have had a system for calculating gun weights, with an Excel spreadsheet, that uses the shot weight, the barrel length, in feet, and a thickness factor, designed to reflect the amount of metal in the gun barrel, on a relative basis.

The Swedish gun spreadsheet has 42pdrs, 36pdrs, 30pdrs, 24pdrs, 18pdrs, 14pdrs, 12pdrs, 10pdrs, 8pdrs, 6pdrs, 4pdrs, 3pdrs, and 2pdrs. Dr. Ballhausen's book had gun lists that added 42pdrs, 14pdrs, and 10pdrs to the mix.

Swedish ship information

I have been doing research for an OOB for the Battle of the Sound, in 1658. Dr. Ballhausen, in footnotes on pages 721 to 726 of his book, has much information about Swedish ship armaments. He attributes it to a book:

John Levin Carlbom, Om Karl X Gustafs Polska Krig och övergången till det 2 dra Sundkriget, Göteborg, 1905.

He also has crew numbers for all the ships which seem very plausible.

I will list some of the information:

Samson, 34-36 guns, crew 113 Captain: Matts Mårtensson Dynkirch Built in1632 Guns: 4-24pdr, 14-14pdr, 4-12pdr, 8-10pdr, 4-6pdr

Carolus, 50-54 guns, crew 187 Captain: Major Klas Johannson Uggla Built in 1650/51 Guns: 26-24pdr, 20-12pdr, 2-10pdr, 6-6pdr

I would be interested to know what someone knowledgable thinks about this source and the information. I may post more of it, over the next week.

A new blog about 17th Century Naval Wargaming

I just started a new blog for 17th Century Naval Wargaming, and have added a link from this blog. I will move my wargaming commentary, in the future, to that forum, and keep this blog for strictly 17th Century naval history, especially the Anglo-Dutch Wars.