In December 1672, as the Third Dutch War opened, eight companies were sent to re-form The Royal English Regiment, serving with the French in a land invasion of Holland. One of these companies came from The Duke of Buckingham's Regiment, as the Admiral's Regiment was then termed, owing to the resignation of the Duke of York as Lord High Admiral. The company was commanded by John Churchill, later Duke of Marlborough. Two of Churchill's brothers, Charles and George, also held commissions in the Regiment. Captain John Churchill was also part of a detachment sent to Virginia in 1676.