A failed English naval assault on Gran Canaria during the Anglo-Spanish War, contributing to the deterioration of Drake's final Caribbean expedition.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1595
- Conflict
- Anglo-Spanish War
- Target
- Gran Canaria, Spanish island
- English commanders
- Drake, Hawkins, Baskerville
- Outcome
- English forced to withdraw
- Drake's fate
- Died of dysentery at Mosquito Gulf
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
An English expeditionary fleet under Francis Drake, John Hawkins, and Thomas Baskerville was en route to Puerto Rico during the Anglo-Spanish War. Seeking an easy victory and additional supplies, the fleet made an unplanned detour to attack the Spanish-held island of Gran Canaria.
The English fleet launched a naval assault on Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in 1595. The attack failed to overcome Spanish defenses, and the English forces were unable to take the island or secure the supplies they sought, compelling a full withdrawal from the Canary Islands.
Following their defeat, the English fleet retreated toward the Spanish Caribbean to continue their original mission against Puerto Rico. The failure at Las Palmas foreshadowed further misfortune on the expedition; Francis Drake subsequently died of dysentery at Mosquito Gulf, ending his last major campaign.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, Sir Thomas Baskerville.
Side B
1 belligerent