1588

Sir Francis Drake

"Best to leave them to those boisterous and

uncouth northern seas."  Francis Drake

KK

Vessels breaking apart sent chips of wood, acting like

daggers, flying through the air. 'Hellburners' were the

most feared weapons for a fleet at anchor.

KK

"The Armada was so crippled and scattered, it seemed my first duty to Your Majesty to save it, even at the risk of a very long voyage in high latitudes."  Duke of Medina

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The Armada fought its way up the south coast of England, holding a strong crescent  formation. As they sat off the coast of Calais to await troops and supplies from Parma, the  English sent in 8 'Hellburners'. In the noise, smoke and confusion, many Spanish panicked and cut their anchors to escape. The English were waiting.  Amid the wreckage, blood, and screams of wounded men, the winds blew the helpless Spanish ships out to sea. Only to face a more fierce enemy, the wild Atlantic. Armada wrecks can still be found off the  coasts of Scotland and Ireland.