MAJOR-GENERAL
HENDRIK MERKUS DE KOCK
by Geert van Uythoven
Born in Heusden
on 25 May 1779.
French
Revolutionary Army
Being a
patriot, he joined the Batavian Legion (Légion Franche Etrangère) only 15
years old, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant under Daendels. In 1795, with the Republiek
der Vereenigde Nederlanden changed into the Batavian Republic, he returned
to civilian life again, then joining naval service.
Army of the
Kingdom of Holland
In 1806 De Kock
left for the East-Indies, serving with the army again, becoming a
Brigade-general on 11 April 1809. As such he functioned as chief of staff of
the navy and of the Mobile Division in Batavia 1810. Imprisoned after the
capture of Java by the British, he returned to the Netherlands in 1813.
Netherlands
army
Entering
Netherlands service he received the rank of Titular Colonel, appointed chief of
staff of the corps destined for the Dutch East- Indies. Promoted to
major-general on 21 April 1815. The corps however was delayed, reformed into
the Indian Brigade to participate in the Waterloo Campaign. For his efforts, De
Kock became a 3rd Class Knight MWO by KB No.134, 14 October 1815. Finally
leaving for the Dutch East-Indies in 1816.
Appointed
Commander of the Troops in the East-Indies, he led the 2nd expedition to
Palembang in 1821, which brought him the appointed as Commander MWO by KB
No.36, 14 November 1821 at the same date promoted to Lieutenant-General,
following in 1822 his appointment as Lieutenant-Governor-General, Council of
the Indies (Raad van Indië). In this position, from 1825-1830, he led
the war on Java, ending with the taking prisoner of Dipo Negoro. For this, De
Kock finally became the Grand Cross MWO by KB No.53, 25 October 1830.
In 1830, De Kock
returned to the Netherlands, Appointed commander in chief of the forces in
Zeeland from 1831-1836, he served during the war against the Belgian
separatists. On 10 January 1835 raised to peerage, becoming a baron, hereditary
to his lawful mail descendants, right of the first born. Appointed Chancellor
of both Netherlands Orders by KB No.100, 29 May 1838. Became Minister of Home
Affairs in 1841, in the same year receiving the Grand Cross of the Orde van
den Nederlandschen Leeuw by KB No.75, 11 May 1841. After that Minister of
State (1841). Member of the 1st Chamber of the States-General in 1842.
He died in
The Hague on 12 April 1845.
© Geert van Uythoven