Juel, Niels (1629-1697)

Danish admiral, who helped build his country's navy into an effective fighting force. He served the Dutch navy in their first war (1652-54) against Britain and fought in subsequent conflicts in Scandinavia. He was renowned for his skill as a tactician.

Juel was born in Christiania (Oslo), Norway, which was then part of Denmark. He first fought under the Dutch admirals Maarten Tromp and Michiel de Ruyter. Later, he took part in the Swedo-Danish wars (1658-60), and was appointed senior commander in the Scanian War (1676-79), defeating the Swedes at Jasmund (1676) and the Bay of Koge (1677).