In July 1588 the world would come to witness the largest naval battle in history. Phillip II's Spain would cross the English Channel to test fate and the ability of Queen Elizabeth's English fleet. The future of Europe would depend on the outcome of this war.
King Philip II' was the absolute creator and director of the plan in which the Armada was an integral part. The scheme was to sail up the English Channel and meet in the straights of Dover with Spanish forces known as the "Army of Flanders" stationed in the Netherlands. Specially prepared landing crafts would deploy troops to a bead head in Kent. Phillips II's nephew with 18,000 odd men would land and secure a beach head in close to sandwich where the Armada would iniate a heavy artillery train. The hard hitting mobile army would launch an attack on London. The Armada would engage the English fleet when necessary in a sea battle but it was not a main objective. The offensive if successful would strike a mortal blow to the heart of Tudor England. Soon England would have to deal with a Spanish force of 125 ships and nearly 30,000 men.
In King Philips path stood 197 ships and 16,000 troops willing to fight to the death for Queen and Country. Queen Elizabeth's fleet lead by Lord Henry Seymour was ready to intercept and stop the Spaniards at any cost. Fighting instructions were drawn up in 1558 which made bombardment as a prelude not an alternative like the Spanish fleet. The English fleet was geared by the defensive requirements of an island, speedy readiness in home waters. The defense of England did not rest solely on the navy: There was also a strong volunteer reserve. Thirty private vessels fought under Howard's command, many of them had a considerably good amount of battle experience against the Spanish. The battle was now inevitable and England could not be sure how their ships would fare against the Spanish. Both sides had very different aims, equipment and strategies; neither knew the strengths, intentions and weaknesses of the other.
