Michiel de Ruyter Biography

Michiel de Ruyter was a 17th century Dutch admiral who is considered as the most successful and skilled admiral in the history of the Dutch Republic. Born in a time when the Dutch people had gained freedom from a rigid Spanish Catholicism, he began life at sea at an early age, and quickly learnt the ropes to become captain of whaling ship, which improved his fortunes drastically. He had this natural gift of knowing when to press and when to stay away from a conflict and added with his innovative streaks, his seafaring experience gave him immense success in battles. During his naval career, Michiel de Ruyter fought raiders around Europe and the Caribbean; the Spanish at Cape St. Vincent, the French at Biscay, the Portuguese, and the English in three different wars. He employed bold tactics, skillful maneuvering and excellent use of ship cannons to gain near miraculous victories against the English, especially when he was outnumbered; a prime example being the raid on the Medway. Above all, he was generous to those who worked with him and under him, which is why he was well loved and respected by his crews, associates and acquaintances alike.