Battle of Changi (1603)

The 1603 naval battle at Changi between the Dutch and Portuguese showcased the Dutch strength and determination to challenge Portuguese dominance in Southeast Asia. The Dutch damaged the Portuguese flagship, and inflicted many casualties among the Portuguese, causing The flagship to take on water, and the remaining Portuguese ships retreated.

Battle of Changi
Part of Dutch-Portuguese War
Date10 October 1603
Location
Johor River
Result Dutch victory
Belligerents
 Dutch Republic Portugal Portuguese Empire
Commanders and leaders
Dutch Republic Jacob Pietersz van Enkhuysen Portugal Teixeira de Macedo
Strength
4 ships[1] 40 vessels[2]
Casualties and losses
5-6 dead several wounded Many Soldados, and damage to the armada[3]

Background

During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic and the Portuguese Empire were engaged in a period of intense rivalry and competition called the Dutch–Portuguese War in which the Dutch took almost all Portuguese possessions in Southeast Asia. It often escalated into armed conflicts. This rivalry primarily revolved around their economic and colonial interests, particularly in the lucrative spice trade of Southeast Asia, and many other parts of the world.[4]

After the Santa Catarina incident which was a notable event in which the Dutch captured a Portuguese ship and brought it back to Amsterdam, resulting in significant wealth for the Dutch. As a consequence, the Portuguese decided to undertake a punitive expedition against the Johoreans, who were seen as allies of the Dutch during the incident.[5] then the Portuguese sent ships to a punitive expedition to punish the Johoreans for being allied with the Dutch in the Santa Catarina indicent. In late September the Dutch got into contact with the Johor fishermen who told them about the blockade and the Dutch then wanted to take action[6]

The Battle

On October 10, 1603, the Dutch ships sailed up the river and encountered the Portuguese armada near Johor Lama. The Dutch targeted the Portuguese flagship, Todos os Santos, damaging its sails to hinder its maneuverability. They continued to attack with artillery fire, causing the flagship to take on water. The remaining Portuguese ships chose to retreat and regrouped off the northern coast of Batam. Meanwhile, the ruling family of Johor observed the battle from their galleys, as well as from the Dutch flagship.[7]

Ships involved
  • Netherlands
    • the Zerikzee
    • Hollandsche Tuin
    • Maagd van Enkhuysen
    • Papagaaiken
  • Portugal
    • The Portuguese armada was made up of about 40 vessels, consisting mostly of smaller craft and one galleon named the Todos os Santos (All Saints)[8]

References
  1. Guan, Kwa Chong; Heng, Derek; Borschberg, Peter; Yong, Tan Tai (15 June 2019). Seven Hundred Years: A History of Singapore. ISBN 9789814868334.
  2. Guan, Kwa Chong; Heng, Derek; Borschberg, Peter; Yong, Tan Tai (15 June 2019). Seven Hundred Years: A History of Singapore. ISBN 9789814868334.
  3. The Singapore and Melaka Straits Violence, Security and Diplomacy in the 17th Century. p. 88.
  4. Southeast Asia, Student Economy Edition Past and Present. p. 278.
  5. Singapore & the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800. p. 407.
  6. The Singapore and Melaka Straits Violence, Security and Diplomacy in the 17th Century. p. 86.
  7. Borschberg, Peter. The Singapore and Melaka Straits Violence, Security and Diplomacy in the 17th Century (Paperback ed.). Singapore University Press. p. 89.
  8. "The 1603 Naval Battle of Changi".

Category:Naval battles of the Dutch–Portuguese War Category:1603 in Asia Category:Conflicts in 1603 Category:Battles involving the Dutch Republic Changi Category:1603 in the Dutch Empire

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.