Vice-Admiral William Batten had been forced to resign from his post as Commander of the Fleet the previous year by Parliamentary officials and he now encouraged the fleet to join the Royalist faction.[34] Sir Henry Palmer, a former sailor, accompanied by other members of the Kentish gentry, also called on the fleet to revolt, taking advantage of the many fellow Kentish men in the crews.[35] Walmer and Deal Castle declared for the King, shortly after the garrisons at Sandown.[36] Rainsborough was removed from his post as captain.[37] With both the coastal fortresses and the navy now under Royalist control, Parliament feared that foreign forces might be landed along the coast or aid sent to the Scots.[38]