April 1587 Now I saw the Spanish ships clearly. Even from this distance I could see the men on board scurrying around the upper deck's, and knew they were hurrying to their stations, ready for battle. But we had been too quick for them. "FIRE!!" roared Mr Belson from the centre of the gundeck. Jones thrust his smoking taper into the back of the cannon and sparks flared from out of the hole. "Back!" Jones shouted, and we all leapt away-just in time because a loud explosion filled the area around us with smoke, bright sparks and flames.