Robert Blake
English General-at-Sea who transformed the Commonwealth Navy into a world-class fighting force. A landsman who took to sea at 50, Blake developed the Fighting Instructions and the broadside line-of-battle tactic that defined naval warfare for 150 years. Won the First Anglo-Dutch War (1652-1654). Died returning from a Mediterranean victory over Spain; given a state funeral rivalling monarchs.
- Lived: 1598 CE – 1657 CE
- Nationality: English
- Roles: admiral, naval commander, parliamentarian
