Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter (; 24 March 1607 – 29 April 1676) was a
Dutch admiral. He is the most famous and one of the most skilled admirals in
Dutch history, most famous for his role in the
Anglo-Dutch Wars of the 17th century. He fought the
English and
French and scored several major victories against them, the best known probably being the
Raid on the Medway. The pious De Ruyter was very much loved by his sailors and soldiers; from them his most significant nickname derived:
Bestevaêr (older Dutch for 'grandfather'.)