 He fought the English and French forces and scored several critical victories, with the Raid on the Medway being the most famous among them.Often dubbed a Dutch folk hero, De Ruyter is one of a few select officers in the history of the Dutch navy to hold the title of the lieutenant admiral ().Reportedly beloved by his subordinates and seamen, De Ruyter was commonly nicknamed "bestevaêr" (Middle Dutch for "grandfather") during his service, a nickname that is sometimes still used to refer to him in Dutch media.