Capture of Breda (1590)

Capture of Breda (1590)
Part of the Eighty Years' War

The Peat boat at Breda by Charles Rochussen
Date4 March 1590
Location51°34′N 4°48′E / 51.567°N 4.800°E / 51.567; 4.800
Result Dutch-English victory[1][2]
Belligerents
 United Provinces
 England
Spain Spanish Empire
Commanders and leaders
Dutch Republic Maurice of Nassau
Kingdom of England Francis Vere
Dutch Republic Charles de Heraugiere (assault)
Spain Paolo Lanzavecchia
Strength
1,700 (70 in assault) 600
Casualties and losses
One soldier drowned 40 killed or wounded[3]

The capture of Breda was a short battle during the Eighty Years' War and Anglo–Spanish War during which a Dutch and English army led by Maurice of Nassau captured the heavily protected city of Breda. Using a clever tactic reminiscent of the Trojan horse which became famous as the ruse with the Turfschip van Breda, a small assault force hid in a peat barge, entered the city of Breda, and proceeded to take it over resulting in a minimum number of casualties.[4] It was the turning point of the war as the forces under Maurice were able to take the offensive.[2][5]

  1. ^ Black pg. 112
  2. ^ a b MacCaffrey pg 257
  3. ^ Markham 158-162
  4. ^ G.A. Henty: By England's Aid, The surprise of Breda..
  5. ^ Motley pg. 7-16

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