[11] Maurice adopted the same tactics as the Duke of Parma by creating defensible barriers and zones of control; this resulted in many towns and regions falling into Anglo-Dutch hands throughout the 1590s.

[12] In 1592, the Zeelanders urged the States-General delegates to advance on Geertruidenberg, but the decision was overruled and Groningen was chosen as more important and as such the operations continued to cut off the city.

[13] Thus during Maurice's 1592 summer offensive two cities were besieged and captured – Steenwijk fell in July and Coevorden capitulated in September which resulted in Spanish-held Groningen being strangled further by the end of the year.

[3] A relative advantage for the Dutch was that Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, captain of the Spanish army had died of his wounds he had sustained while retreating from Caudebec in France.

[14] Philip of Nassau's Luxembourg campaign went ahead as planned and succeeded in drawing Mansfeld away, which gained Maurice enough time to march to Geertruidenberg.

[3] On 27 March 1593 Maurice arrived with his troops at Geertruidenberg; his forces were augmented by six ensigns of English under Francis Vere and ten companies of Scots under Colonel Bartholomew Balfour.

[3][18] In mid-April, the approaches against the town were commenced with works constructed and dug by the soldiers rather than the usual practice of using land labour; farmers and other civilians.

[13] A hundred ships, forming a semicircle in the old Maas, completed the blockade, with light brigantines on the flanks, all of which were connected by strong ropes or chains.

[2] During this time, the siege developed into a lull - the camp arrangements, being of good quality, were enticing enough for locals to sell their produce, and many came from far and wide.

[20] Meanwhile, Count Mansfeld returning from his pursuit of Philip of Nassau on hearing of Gerrtudenberg's situation marched his army from Brussels as soon as it was possible to relieve the besieged city.

[3] On 28 May, Count Mansfeld appeared with an army of 7,000 foot and 2,000 horse, encamping in the villages of Capelle and Waalwijk, about six miles east of Gertruydenburg.

[18] The blockading fleet took a regular part in the daily cannonade along with the land batteries and caused severe damage both to the walls and the city itself.

[4] The following day after hearing news of the city's surrender Mansfeld's force marched away and occupied the Bommelerwaard, in order to check any attempt by Maurice in that direction.

[15][17] Count William of Nassau, the Stadtholder of Friesland, continued to put pressure and march against the Spanish under Francisco Verdugo who was present at Groningen and in the field in a series of manoeuvres.

English troops under Francis Vere, sent aid to Count William into Friesland in July forcing the movement of Spanish regiments to reinforce Verdugo.