The action of 12 March 1672 was a naval battle of the Third Anglo-Dutch War between a squadron commanded by Sir Robert Holmes and Sir Frescheville Holles against the Smyrna convoy, which was protected by 5 warships under De Haaze and Cornelis Evertsen.

[1] The Battle took place before the official start of the conflict, but now there was no turning back and England declared war on the Dutch Republic on March 17, 1672.

Sir Robert Holmes with a squadron of 5 ships cruising about the Isle of Wight, met with the Dutch Smyrna fleet, consisting of about 50 sail.

[2] When the English fleet closed in with the Smyrna convoy, Holmes ordered Captain De Haaze to come aboard his ship.

Holmes maintained the engagement until sunset, but failed to capture a single ship while his squadron had suffered severe damage.