Action of 12 March 1672

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Action of 12 March 1672
Part of the Franco-Dutch War
Holme's attack on the Smyrna Fleet, off Beachy Head, 12 March 1672
Date 12–13 March 1672 Location English Channel Result Indecisive
Belligerents
England	Dutch Republic
Commanders and leaders
Sir Robert Holmes Sir Frescheville Holles	Adriaan de Haaze † Cornelis Evertsen
Strength
9 warships	5 warships 66 merchant ships
Casualties and losses
1 warship disabled (Saint Michael) and severe damage to the other ships	1 warship captured (Klein Hollandia) 4 merchant ships captured

The action of 12 March 1672 was a naval battle of the Third Anglo-Dutch War between a squadron commanded by Sir Robert Holmes and Sir Frescheville Holles against the Smyrna convoy, which was protected by 5 warships under De Haaze and Cornelis Evertsen.^[1] The Battle took place before the official start of the conflict, but now there was no turning back and England declared war on the Dutch Republic on March 17, 1672.