Destruction of the Spanish fleet by the Dutch off Dover

Reverse

14-line inscription within a wreath of flowers.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
Æternitati S. / Ob Hisp. classē. navib. / 67 spectatis belli ducib’. naucl. / milit. 25m ōniq’ apparatu instructiss. / illustr. Pr.Hen. Fred. ausp. a Martino / Trompio Hollandiæ maris p.fect. 16 / Sept. 1639 navib.tantū. 17 aggressam, / & seq. die circ. noct. iterum oppugnatā / alteroq’ die 11 navib. auctô, dissipatam / ac sub Angl. littor. castella cedere / coactā, ibiq’ per mensē obsessam, / tantemq’ à Reg. decedere iussā / 21 Octb. magnâ virt. deletā / Ordd. Fœd. Belg. F.F.
I. Looff, f.

Translation: Consecrated to Eternity. The Confederate States of Holland have struck [this medal] because the Spanish fleet of 67 ships, furnished with remarable generals, pilots, 25,000 soldiers, and all munitions, was, under the auspices of Prince Hendrik Frederik, attacked by Martin Tromp, Admiral of Holland, on 16 September 1639, with only 17 ships, and on the following day around dusk again attacked, and on the third day his force being increased by 11 ships, put to flight and obliged to take refuge under the castles of England; there after being blockaded for a month, and at length ordered by the King to depart on 21 October, was destroyed with great valor.

Engraver: Johannes Looff

Comment

The Battle of Downs resulted from the Spanish need to supply their forces in Flanders by sea, since the land route was closed due to war with France. Large amounts of supplies and troops were being transported to Dunkirk in a powerful fleet commanded by Antonio de Oquendo, but this fleet was intercepted by an initially inferior Dutch squadron under Tromp, who managed to force the Spanish to take refuge in neutral English waters. There was a stalemate for about a month, during which the Spanish managed to send supplies and troops to Flanders utilizing small swift transports, but in the end the Dutch attacked, causing the destruction of much of the Spanish fleet.