Battle of Dogger Bank (1781)

Battle of Dogger Bank Part of Fourth Anglo-Dutch War Date August 5, 1781 Location Dogger Bank, North Sea Result Tactically indecisive; British strategic victory Belligerents Great Britain Dutch Republic Commanders Sir Hyde Parker, 5th Baronet Johan Zoutman Strength 7 ships of the line 7 ships of the line Casualties and losses 108 dead, 339 wounded 140 dead, 400 Wounded

v • d • e European waters, 1778–1782 North Channel – 1st Ushant – English Channel – Flamborough Head – Cape St. Vincent – Minorca – Dogger Bank – 2nd Ushant – Great Siege of Gibraltar – Cape Spartel

The naval Battle of the Dogger Bank took place on 5 August 1781 during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, part of the American War of Independence, in the North Sea. It was a bloody encounter between a British squadron under Vice Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, 5th Baronet and a Dutch squadron under Vice Admiral Zoutman, both of which were escorting convoys.

[edit] Precursor to the action

The Netherlands having now joined the allies, the British government was compelled to withdraw part of its fleet from other purposes to protect the North Sea trade. A desperate battle was fought in which neither combatant gained any advantage, after which both sides drew off.

[edit] Consequences of the action

The Dutch returned home with their convoy. Although the Dutch celebrated the battle as victory, their fleet did not leave harbour again during the war and their merchant trade was swept from the seas by British frigates.

Parker considered that he had not been properly equipped for his task, and insisted on resigning his command. The battle had no real impact on the general course of the war.

[edit] The rival fleets:

[edit] References

[edit] Sources

• Penrose, John, Lives of Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Vinicombe Penrose, K. C. B., and Captain Trevenen, J. Murray (publisher), Harvard University, 1850[1]

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