Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter (24 March 1607 Vlissingen – 29 April 1676 at sea) was one of the most skilled admirals in Dutch history and very famous for his role in the Anglo-Dutch Wars. Loved and respected by his men, he preferred to be called “bestevaêr” ("grandfather").

He fought in many battles, but his actions in the First, Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652-1673) made him a national hero. De Ruyter saved the situation for the Netherlands in the Third Anglo-Dutch War. His strategic victories over larger Anglo-French fleets at the battle of Solebay in 1672, the battle of Schooneveld in 1673, and the battle of Texel later that year warded off the invasion. The new rank of "lieutenant-admiral general" was created especially for him in February 1673, when the new Stadtholder, William III of Orange, became admiral-general.

De Ruyter founded the Netherlands Marine Corps, established on 10 December 1665. Its new base, built in his birthplace of Vlissingen, should be finished by 2020, and will be called the "Michiel de Ruyter Kazerne". In 1676, he took command of a combined Dutch–Spanish fleet to help the Spanish suppress the Messina revolt, and fought a French fleet, at the battle of Stromboli and the battle of Augusta, where he was fatally wounded when a cannonball struck him in the right leg.

On 18 March 1677, De Ruyter was given an elaborate state funeral. His body was buried in the main nave, in the Nieuwe Kerk of Amsterdam.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org