Philips van Almonde, Dutch admiral (b. 1646)

Philips van Almonde (29 December 1644 – 6 January 1711) stands as a towering figure in Dutch naval history, a distinguished Lieutenant-Admiral whose strategic acumen and courage were instrumental in shaping the maritime conflicts of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His career spanned a critical period for the Dutch Republic, marked by intense geopolitical rivalries and the struggle for naval supremacy against formidable European powers, particularly England and France. Van Almonde's contributions helped safeguard Dutch trade interests and assert the nation's influence on the global stage.

Early Life and Rapid Ascent in the Dutch Navy

Born in Den Briel, a historic fortified town in South Holland, Philips van Almonde was the son of Pieter Jansz van Almonde, a wealthy and influential burgher. This privileged background provided him with opportunities to enter the esteemed maritime profession. His naval journey began in 1661 as a cadet aboard the warship Wapen van Dordrecht, where he learned the intricacies of seafaring and naval combat under the tutelage of his uncle, the experienced frigate commander Jacob Cleidijck. His exceptional aptitude quickly became apparent, leading to his appointment as a lieutenant in 1664 by the Admiralty of the Maze, one of the five distinct admiralties of the Dutch Republic, historically headquartered in Rotterdam.

Forging a Reputation Amidst the Anglo-Dutch Wars

Van Almonde's early career coincided with the tumultuous Anglo-Dutch Wars, a series of conflicts driven by intense commercial and colonial rivalry between the Dutch Republic and England. During the Second Anglo-Dutch War, at the devastating Battle of Lowestoft in 1665, he displayed remarkable leadership by taking command from his uncle, who had been incapacitated during the fierce engagement. His decisive actions earned him official confirmation in his command on 14 August of that year. He further distinguished himself in the monumental Four Days' Battle (11–14 June 1666), a legendary and protracted naval engagement where Lieutenant-Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, arguably the greatest Dutch admiral of all time, inflicted a significant defeat upon a numerically superior English fleet commanded by George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle. By 1667, Van Almonde's rapid progression was evident when he was promoted to full captain. In 1671, he was entrusted with the command of the frigate Harderwijk.

His valor continued to shine during the Third Anglo-Dutch War, a conflict where the Dutch faced a formidable alliance of England and France. On 6 October 1673, acknowledging his consistent bravery and skill, Van Almonde was promoted to Rear-Admiral. This promotion followed his distinguished service as captain of the Wassenaer at the Battle of Solebay (1672) and his pivotal role as captain of the Delft during the defensive triumphs at the Battle of Schooneveld and the Battle of Texel in 1673. In these crucial engagements, the Dutch fleet, under De Ruyter, successfully thwarted Anglo-French invasion attempts of the Dutch coast, securing vital victories against overwhelming odds.

Strategic Operations and Grand Alliances

Baltic Campaigns and Mediterranean Leadership

In 1674, commanding the ship Ridderschap van Holland, Van Almonde led successful actions against the French west coast, disrupting their maritime operations and trade routes. The following year, he accompanied Admiral Cornelis Tromp's squadron to the Mediterranean, participating in naval exercises and asserting Dutch presence in the region. His command prowess was again highlighted in late May and early June 1676, when he led a squadron in the Baltic Sea as part of a combined Danish-Dutch fleet. This fleet, under the overall command of Danish admiral Niels Juel and Cornelis Tromp, engaged the Swedish navy in the battles of Bornholm and Öland during the Scanian War (1675-1679). In the latter engagement, the numerically superior Swedish fleet suffered a decisive defeat, effectively granting naval supremacy to Denmark in the Baltic. Following the tragic death of Michiel de Ruyter in 1676 during a Mediterranean campaign, Van Almonde honorably led the Dutch Mediterranean fleet back to Holland, assuming a critical leadership role in a moment of national mourning and transition.

The Glorious Revolution and the War of the Grand Alliance

His career continued to ascend, marked by his appointment as Vice-Admiral by the Admiralty of Amsterdam on 5 April 1684. Four years later, Van Almonde played a significant, albeit often overlooked, role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He commanded the rear division of Stadtholder William III of Orange's invasion fleet that successfully landed in England, leading to William and Mary's ascension to the English throne and fundamentally altering the course of British history. This participation underscored his deep trust and importance to the Dutch leadership.

However, it was during the War of the Grand Alliance (1688–1697), also known as the War of the League of Augsburg, that Philips van Almonde achieved his greatest fame. This major European conflict saw the Netherlands and its allies, forming the "Grand Alliance," directly confronting the expansionist ambitions of Louis XIV's France. Recognizing his strategic importance, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Admiral on 28 March 1692. A pivotal moment came on 29 May 1692, at the Battle of La Hougue (also known as the Battle of Barfleur), where Van Almonde, commanding a squadron aboard De Prins, provided crucial assistance to the combined Anglo-Dutch fleet under English Admiral Edward Russell against the French fleet led by Admiral Tourville. His decisive action involved launching his longboats to attack and destroy the trapped French ships attempting to escape or find refuge, preventing their regrouping and significantly contributing to one of the most decisive naval victories of the war, which crippled French naval power for years to come.

The War of the Spanish Succession and the Triumph at Vigo Bay

In 1702, at the outset of the War of the Spanish Succession, another major European conflict, Van Almonde demonstrated his strategic foresight by conceiving a plan to intercept and seize richly laden Spanish treasure galleons returning from the West Indies. These ships carried immense wealth from the Americas, crucial for financing the Spanish war effort. On 23 October, displaying remarkable persuasive skills, he convinced the cautious English Admiral Sir George Rooke to proceed with the attack despite the lateness of the year and the formidable protection offered by French ships-of-the-line. The ensuing Battle of Vigo Bay resulted in a resounding victory for the combined Dutch and English forces, who annihilated the enemy fleet within the harbor of Vigo. The English captured four ships-of-the-line and six galleons, while the Dutch secured six warships and five galleons. Though these five galleons were treasure-laden, a minor disappointment was that their valuable cargo had, unfortunately, been unloaded just prior to the attack, a testament to the Spanish and French understanding of the immense stakes involved.

In 1706, showcasing his fierce national pride and a deep understanding of naval hierarchy, Van Almonde famously relinquished command of the Dutch fleet destined for Portugal upon learning that he would be subordinate to a junior English Vice-Admiral. This incident highlights the complex inter-allied dynamics and the professional stature he commanded. In a fitting tribute to his long and distinguished service, he was transferred on 20 December 1708 to his original Admiralty of the Maze at Rotterdam. As this was widely regarded as the most ancient and thus the most honourable of the Dutch admiralties, this appointment symbolically represented the pinnacle of his illustrious career within the Dutch fleet.

Philips van Almonde eventually retired to his Haaswyk estate in Oegstgeest, near Leiden, where he passed away on 6 January 1711. His enduring legacy is commemorated by a memorial prominently displayed in the Katherine Church at Brielle (Den Briel), his birthplace, where he was laid to rest on 30 December 1712. His life stands as a testament to Dutch maritime prowess and the vital role of individual leadership in an era of global naval competition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lieutenant-Admiral Philips van Almonde

Who was Philips van Almonde?

Philips van Almonde was a highly distinguished Dutch Lieutenant-Admiral (1644–1711) who played a pivotal role in the major naval conflicts of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, including the Anglo-Dutch Wars, the War of the Grand Alliance, and the War of the Spanish Succession. He rose through the ranks due to his strategic insights, bravery, and leadership, contributing significantly to the Dutch Republic's maritime power.

What were Philips van Almonde's key naval achievements?

Van Almonde's notable achievements include:

• Distinguished service as a young officer in the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars, including at the Four Days' Battle and the battles of Solebay, Schooneveld, and Texel.
• Commanding a squadron in decisive Danish-Dutch victories against Sweden in the Baltic Sea (Battles of Bornholm and Öland, 1676).
• Leading a division in William III's invasion fleet during the Glorious Revolution (1688).
• Crucial actions at the Battle of La Hougue (1692), where his squadron's aggressive tactics helped destroy trapped French ships.
• Masterminding and participating in the successful Battle of Vigo Bay (1702), leading to the destruction of a Spanish treasure fleet and its French escorts.

Where is Philips van Almonde buried?

Philips van Almonde is buried in the Katherine Church (Catharijnekerk) in Brielle (Den Briel), his birthplace, where a memorial stands in his honour. He was interred there on 30 December 1712.