(Battle at the Singels) Battle of Dungeness, 30 Nov. 1652
(Slag bij Dungeness.)  
(source: british-civil-wars. Commonwealth and Protectorate. By David Plant, 2001 - 6.)

Following the defeat at the Kentish Knock Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp was recalled to restore discipline to the fractious Dutch navy. In preparation for escorting a convoy of over 250 merchantmen down the Channel, Tromp put to sea with 85 warships. With much of the English fleet refitting or victualling, Blake (English) has only 45 ships at his disposal when Tromp appeared off the southern entrance to the anchorage of the Downs on 29 November 1652. Despite his smaller force and the apprehension of some of his captains, Blake (Dutch) was eager to engage the Dutch. Bad weather prevented immediate action. Tromp sought shelter under the cliffs at South Foreland, Blake anchored in the Dover Roads.

The following day, weather conditions improved. Both fleets sailed on a parallel course westwards along the Kent coast separated by shoals. Once clear, soon after noon on 30 November, Tromp closed with the English and a violent fight began between the leading ships of the two fleets. The English ships found it difficult to manoeuvre because of the proximity of Dungeness; Blake later complained that many of his ships had avoided the action. The “Garland” and “Bonaventure”, which attacked Tromp's flagship the “Brederode”, were overwhelmed and captured. Three more English ships were sunk and many badly damaged, including Blake's flagship the “Triumph” which lost its foremast. The Dutch lost only one ship. As darkness fell, Blake's fleet disengaged and escaped to the safety of the Thames estuary.

Tromp's victory allowed Dutch merchant convoys to sail freely through the Channel. For the first time, the English fleet was blockaded in its own harbours. According to legend, Tromp fixed a broom to the mast of his flagship as a sign that he had swept the sea clean of his enemies. Blake's offer of resignation was rejected but six English captains were dismissed from the Navy following a government enquiry, including Blake's own brother Benjamin.

During the winter of 1652-3, the Commissioners of the Navy in London made a thorough review of naval tactics and administration in the light of the defeat of Dungeness. This resulted in the issuing of the first official Articles of War and Fighting Instructions to English naval commanders. 

The Fighting Instructions included line-ahead fleet formations to maximise the use of the broadside and remained the basis of naval tactics throughout the next century. They were the innovations that were suggested by Blake, who through many other tactical innovations proved to be England's best admiral ever. Some say only after Nelson, but Nelson won battles, but did not introduce many novelties in naval warfare, he had great charisma, and inspired his crew and fellow officers, He laid great stress on developing skills through rigorous training, but the most significant and major chance from an haphazard rabble of fighting ships into an organised and orderly, and well disciplined fleet, was Blake's doing.

The fleet was reorganised into three divisions — red, white and blue — with a commander for each division, to make fleet actions more manageable. George Monck and Richard Deane were appointed joint Generals-at-Sea with Blake.

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