John Michael Groves (b.1937)

Terschelling, an island in the Northern Netherlands, became the site of one of the pivotal battles of the Second Anglo-Dutch war in 1666. After the Dutch retreat to the island, one hundred and fifty of their vessels were destroyed by the English fleet who then landed at the harbour of West-Terschelling. Here, they set fire to the town, burning it to the ground. This became known as 'Holmes' Bonfire' after the English Admiral Robert Holmes who had lead the fleet. The Great Fire of London was said to be God's retribution for the burning of West-Terschelling. The Dutch retaliated in 1667 with their Raid on the Medway which brought the Second Anglo-Dutch war to an end.