The naval action fought off the Suffolk town of Southwold, more usually known as the battle of Solebay, was the opening encounter of the Third Dutch War (1672-74). James, Duke of York - Charles II's younger brother - was in overall command of a combined Anglo-French fleet revictualling in the bay on 28 May 1672 when it was attacked without warning by the Dutch - under De Ruyter - with the wind in their favour. Although superior in numbers, the anchored allied fleet was thrown into confusion and went into battle in some disarray. An exceptionally fierce action ensued immediately and was fought so tenaciously and at such close qaurters that the Duke of York was forced to shift his flag when first the Prince and then the St. Michael were disabled. From the St. Michael he moved to the London from where he directed the final stages of the battle which, as well as being inconclusive, was extremely costly to both sides in terms of ships as well as men.