Spanish Armada

An unfortunate oversight despite delay by several months the Spanish attack, made on 20 may 1588 the great and Anglo Spanish Armada (later called by the English the Spanish Armada) left from Portugal with a military force consisting of 130 ships, 8. 253 marine, 2. 088 rowers and 19. 295 soldiers. Contrary to what is commonly observed, while numbers cited are the balance of a high number of troops, the Spanish Armada under any aspect had the monstrous aspect that English Chronicles have especially wanted to make believe. Turning to events in Spanish side, barely put to sea, the organizational and climatic difficulties became apparent. For example, on July 22, off the coast of La Coruna, the great flow of ships and the Seaway dispersed the bulk of vessels to such an extent that took more than one month bringing together them. The Duke of Medina Sidonia, sincere in his inability but total addict of the Spanish King, did not hesitate to present itself as the less suitable for the custom but was again maintained by the King, who perhaps confident that a very loyal man, I would never say no to an order, was that was. Storms, each one more difficult than the predecessor, generated the wear and failure of several units. On day 28, to the concern of the King, this was notified of the following fact: forty ships had too separated from the bulk of the fleet, and there was no more news in this regard. It was precisely this factor which awoke the British alarm. Unfortunately for the Spanish, extensive diversion from the original route allowed that a British ship, the Golden Hind, could spot enemy presence. Thomas Fleming, Commander of that ship, quickly raised the alarm. Just for that moment, has a (not very credible) anecdote involving the famous Francis Drake. Said is that when the great reached the height of Fowey, and headlights coastal English already announcing its presence, the experienced sailor who at that time was playing bowling, said: we have time to finish the game.

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