Charles Dixon 1872-1934

During the French Revolutionary War Admiral Adam Duncan had confined the Dutch fleet in the Texel but had to return to Yarmouth to take on stores leaving frigates on patrol. The Dutch fleet, under Vice Admiral Jan de Winter took advantage of Duncan's absence and moved out of the Texel shadowed by Captain Trollope in the Russell. Duncan, in his flagship Venerable quickly joined Trollope and on 11th October they met the Dutch fleet about three miles northwest of Camperdown on the Dutch coast.

Duncan, with slightly heavier guns closed on the enemy on two squadrons, his own, comprising of eight ships of-the-line in line abreast attacking the Dutch van and Vice Admiral R. Onslow attacking the rear. Duncan sought out the Winters Vrijheid and the two fleets fought furiously for three and half hours. By 3.15pm de Winter, the only unwounded man on deck, had surrendered.