"Formation of the Dutch Line and the Coming of the English", "Battle of Dogger's Bank" and "End of the Battle". Complete set of three plates of the Battle of Dogger's Bank during the Fourth English War. Etching and engraving made in 1781 by Matthias de Sallieth after drawings by Frederik Reitz, published by Johannes Smit en Zoon in Amsterdam. Dim. 310 x 465 mm In 1776 the American colonies of Great Britain declared their independence. The Dutch Republic recognised them, which led in 1780 to a British declaration of war and a blockade of the Dutch coast. At the time, both the British and the Dutch traded with the Baltic region and now that there was war, the grain fleets were protected by warships. The battle took place on 5 August 1781 near Dogger's Bank (a shallow area in the North Sea). An English fleet under vice-admiral Hyde Parker attacked the Dutch navy which was escorting a convoy of merchant ships to the Baltic Sea. The Dutch, under Rear Admiral Johan Zoutman, repelled the attack, but both parties were badly battered and the Dutch grain trade with the Baltic came to an end. In the Netherlands, which had not fought a naval battle for a long time, the battle was celebrated as a great victory. Many Dutchmen wore a special ribbon to commemorate the battle. To financially support the widows of the fallen sailors, funds were established. From a merger of two of these, the Naval Training College was founded in 1785. Literature: Frederik Muller, Dutch History Records (1876-77), nr. 4426-a Price: Euro 750,- (series of 3)
