Preparedness Notes — Thursday, May 28, 2026
On May 28, 1588 King Philip II dispatched the Spanish Armada under the Duke of Medina-Sidonia from Lisbon, Portugal to invade England. When it left Lisbon, the fleet was composed of 141 ships, with 10,138 sailors and 19,315 soldiers. The fleet carried 1,500 brass guns and 1,000 iron guns. The armada was hampered by bad weather, and then was outmaneuvered by the 200-ship British navy is several decisive engagements. The remainder of the Armada was devastated by storms, disease, and starvation. An analysis of the human cost of the campaign reveals that 25,696 men departed and just 13,399 returned. — …