To aid the Dutch who were building influence and colonies the Far East, the Witte Leeuw was sent to protect Duty interests in the East Indies. Although built as a navy ship she was run by the Dutch East India Company. The loss of the Witte Leeuw was considered a mighty blow for the Company when she was sunk in James Bay in 1613, during a battle with two Portugese carracks. Witte Leeuw translates as White Lion.
SG767 St Helena Philatelic