Jan Zoutman was a Dutch admiral who commanded the Dutch fleet during the Battle of Doggersbank on 5 August 1781. His cautious tactics—allowing the British fleet under Rear‑Admiral Hyde Parker to close in before delivering a broadside—were later criticized, but his fleet’s disciplined fire contributed to the Dutch holding its position.
Command at Doggersbank
Zoutman’s flagship formed the centre of the Dutch line. When British Rear‑Admiral Hyde Parker attempted a columnar approach, Zoutman “let the opportunity pass,” allowing the British to fire the first broadside. Despite this, the Dutch fleet’s orderly fire and the steadfastness of the marine detachments (