First Battle of Newfoundland (Britannia Prevails)

The First Battle of Newfoundland was a battle in the Anglo-Spanish War, it resulted in an English victory, as well as deciding the dominant power in North America in the late 1500s and early 1600s.

Spanish Armada approaches
The Spanish Armada was sighted by English ships on 5th November 1587. English Admiral, Sir John Hawkins was leaving Newfoundland to return to England when he heard news of the Spanish Navy approaching. The fleet was launched from Newfoundland and met the Spanish 50 miles offshore.

The Battle Starts
The first shot was fired from the Spanish flagship, São Martinho. The Spanish opened fire on the English fleet, sinking 5 ships. The English fleet retreated back towards the land. They split into two groups, one going south, one north when the Spanish had reached Newfoundland, they were fired upon by English soldiers. The two parts of the English fleet encircled the Spanish, trapping them. A fierce battle broke out 20 English ships were sunk, and 40 Spanish galleons were also destroyed. However, this opened up a gap in the English fleet. The remaining Spanish ships sailed through. The English followed, firing from a distance. Several more ships were sunk as the English pursued the Spanish into the Atlantic ocean. Eventually, the English fleet returned to Newfoundland, as the Spanish sailed back to Iberia.