Battle of Reimerswaal

The battles of Reimerswaal is a naval Bataille which took place during the Guerre Eighty Year old between the Spanish fleet and the fleet of the Gueux. The battle took place on January 29th, 1574 on the the Eastern Scheldt, not far from Reimerswaal.

In April 1572, the towns of Flessingue, Veere and Arnemuiden, on the island of Walcheren, join with William of Orange. Only Middelbourg remains faithful to the king d' Espagne. For this reason, a long battle starts on the island and Middelbourg is besieged. The Spanish commander, Chistoforo de Mondragon, defends the city with courage and prudence. But a shortage growing in food, weapons and other goods necessary develops.

A new attempt of the Spanish commander Sancho d' Avila to supply the city by the sea causes the battle.

The meeting between the Spanish principal fleet, directed by the admirals De Glimes and Romero, and the fleet of Gueux, directed by Lodewijk de Boisot and Joost de Moor, takes place on January 29th, 1574 vis-a-vis Reimerswaal. The Spanish fleet is entirely overcome and the Middelbourg on February 8th capitulates. The last Burgundian admiral, Antonie van Bourgondie-Wacken, die during an exit of the city.

According to Requesens, the battle was more violent than that of Lépante.

Sources

J.G. Kerkhoven, “Het jaar 1573” in Armamentaria n° 8,1973

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