What was Michiel Adriaanszoon De Ruyter most famous for?

Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter ( IPA: [mɪˈxil ˈaːdrijaːnˌsoːn də ˈrœytər]; 24 March 1607 – 29 April 1676) was a Dutch admiral. Widely celebrated and regarded as one of the most skilled admirals in Dutch history, De Ruyter is arguably most famous for his achievements with the Dutch Navy during the Anglo-Dutch Wars.

How old was Michiel de Ruyter when he went to sea?

Little is known about De Ruyter’s early life, but he was sent to sea as a boatswain ‘s apprentice at the age of 11, the usual age for Zeeland boys to begin seafaring. In 1622, during the Eighty Years’ War against Spain, he fought as a musketeer in the Dutch army under Maurice of Nassau against the Spaniards during the relief of Bergen-op-Zoom.

When did Michiel de Ruyter become captain of the haze?

In 1641, De Ruyter was nominated by the Admiralty of Zeeland to become the captain of the Haze, a merchant ship converted man-of-war carrying 26 guns, in a fleet under admiral Gijsels formed to assist the Portuguese in the Portuguese Restoration War against Philip IV of Spain, who was also Philip III of Portugal.

Why was Michiel de Ruyter known as Bestevaer?

Reportedly beloved by his subordinates and seamen, De Ruyter was commonly nicknamed Bestevaêr ( Middle Dutch for “grandfather”) during his service, a nickname that is sometimes still used to refer to him in Dutch media.

When did Michiel de Ruyter fight the Spanish?

Although this expedition had little success, De Ruyter distinguished himself in combat against a Spanish fleet in the inconclusive action on 4 November 1641, off Cape St. Vincent.

How old was Michiel de Ruyter when he became a sailor?

De Ruyter was born on 24 March 1607 in Vlissingen, in the Dutch Republic, as the son of beer porter Adriaen Michielszoon and Aagje Jansdochter. Little is known about De Ruyter’s early life, but he probably became a sailor at the age of 11.