Fire Ships: The Tactical English Weapon Used Against the Spanish [ helped turn the tide against the powerful Spanish fleet, cementing England’s status as a rising naval power ]
Fire Ships: The Tactical Weapon Used Against the Spanish During the late 16th century, naval warfare saw some of its most dramatic moments, especially between England and Spain. Among the most famous tactics employed by English commanders such as Sir Francis Drake was the use of fire ships—vessels deliberately set ablaze and sent into enemy formations to cause chaos and destruction. This tactic played a crucial role in several encounters, most notably in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Concept of Fire Ships The idea of using fire ships was not new; it had been employed in naval battles for centuries. The tactic dated back to antiquity, with Byzantine Greeks using fire ships against Arab fleets in the 7th century. Fire ships were also used during the Crusades, such as in the Third Crusade, where they harassed Muslim fleets off Acre. Their effectiveness depended on precise timing and positioning. Fire ships were typically old, expendable vessels loaded with highly fla...