Battle of Changi (1603)

Battle of Changi
	Part of Dutch-Portuguese War
Date	10 October 1603
Location	Johor River
Result	Dutch victory
Belligerents
Dutch Republic	Portuguese Empire
Commanders and leaders
Jacob Pietersz van Enkhuysen	Teixeira de Macedo
Strength
4 ships	40 vessels
Casualties and losses
5-6 dead, several wounded	Many Soldados, and damage to the armada

The 1603 naval battle at Changi between the Dutch and Portuguese showcased the Dutch strength and determination to challenge Portuguese dominance in Southeast Asia. The Dutch damaged the Portuguese flagship, and inflicted many casualties among the Portuguese, causing the flagship to take on water, and the remaining Portuguese ships retreated.

Background

During the 17th century, the Dutch Republic and the Portuguese Empire were engaged in a period of intense rivalry and competition called the Dutch–Portuguese War in which the Dutch took almost all Portuguese possessions in Southeast Asia. It often escalated into armed conflicts. This rivalry primarily revolved around their economic and colonial interests, particularly in the lucrative spice trade of Southeast Asia, and in many other parts of the world.^[4]

The Santa Catarina incident was a notable event in which the Dutch captured a Portuguese ship and took it back to Amsterdam, resulting in significant wealth for the Dutch. As a consequence, the Portuguese decided to undertake a punitive expedition against the Johoreans, who were seen as allies of the Dutch during the incident.^[5] In late September 1603 the Dutch made contact with Johor fishermen who told them about a Portuguese blockade, and the Dutch decided to take action.^[6]

The Battle

On October 10, 1603, Dutch ships sailed up the Johor River and encountered the Portuguese armada near Johor Lama. The Dutch targeted the Portuguese flagship, Todos os Santos, damaging its sails and hindering its maneuverability. They continued to attack with artillery fire, causing the flagship to take on water. The remaining Portuguese ships chose to retreat and regroup off the northern coast of Batam. The ruling family of Johor observed the battle from their galleys, as well as from the Dutch flagship.^[7]

Ships involved

Netherlands
- Zerikzee
- Hollandsche Tuin
- Maagd van Enkhuysen
- Papagaaiken
Portugal
- The Portuguese armada consisted of about 40 vessels, mostly smaller craft and one galleon named the Todos os Santos (All Saints).^[8]

References

^ Guan, Kwa Chong; Heng, Derek; Borschberg, Peter; Yong, Tan Tai (15 June 2019). Seven Hundred Years: A History of Singapore. ISBN 9789814868334.
^ Guan, Kwa Chong; Heng, Derek; Borschberg, Peter; Yong, Tan Tai (15 June 2019). Seven Hundred Years: A History of Singapore. ISBN 9789814868334.
^ The Singapore and Melaka Straits Violence, Security and Diplomacy in the 17th Century. p. 88.
^ Southeast Asia, Student Economy Edition Past and Present. p. 278.
^ Singapore & the Silk Road of the Sea, 1300-1800. p. 407.
^ The Singapore and Melaka Straits Violence, Security and Diplomacy in the 17th Century. p. 86.
^ Borschberg, Peter. The Singapore and Melaka Straits Violence, Security and Diplomacy in the 17th Century (Paperback ed.). Singapore University Press. p. 89.
^ "The 1603 Naval Battle of Changi".