Chasse, David Hendrik

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL

CHASSÉ, DAVID HENDRIK

by Geert van Uythoven

Born in Tiel (Netherlands) on 18 March 1765, son of Carel Jan Chassé, major in the Infanterie Regiment No.16 ‘Godin’ and Maria Johanna Helena Schull.

Army of the Dutch Republic 1775 - 1794

Entered the army of the Dutch Republic as a cadet in the Infanterie Regiment No.16 ‘Godin’ (which was renamed ‘Von Mönster’ on 2 February 1781) on 20 April 1775. Became an ensign supernumerary on 31 May 1781. Serving on the southern coasts of the Dutch Republic from 1781 – 1783. Choosing sides with the patriots (a faction opposing the Orangists who supported the Stadtholder William V of Orange), Chassé resigned on 13 October 1786.

He entered service in the armed troops of the Province of Holland, becoming a captain in the patriot Infanterie Regiment ‘De Win’ on 24 June 1787. Fighting the Prussians coming to the aid of the Dutch stadtholder, taking part in the defence of the cities Muiden and Weesp. The patriots were soundly defeated by the more trained and disciplined Prussian troops, and after the restoration of the stadtholder Chassé was dismissed from the army of the Dutch Republic on 20 October 1787. Like so many patriots, Chassé left the Dutch Republic seeking refuge in France.

French service 1788 - 1795

Unlike many of his fellow countrymen however, Chasse immediately entered French service, to fight for his beliefs: he entered the light infantry as a 1st lieutenant on 10 July 1788. When the Batavian Legion, the Légion franche étrangère was raised, he entered the legion, becoming captain and commander of the 1st foot jager company on 8 August 1792. Serving with the Armée du Nord from 1792-1795, he participated in Dumouriez’ campaign into the Dutch Republic 1793.

On 1 November 1793 the famous amalgame took place; the Légion franche étrangère became the 30me Demi-brigade Légère, with Chassé promoted lieutenant-colonel and appointed commanding officer of the 3rd battalion of the 30me Demi-brigade Légère on 15 November 1793. He served in Flanders under Moreau 1794; fought at Mouscron (30 April), Stade (13 June), and Hooglede. He was wounded in his right arm by a musket ball during the combat of Yper or Werwick (17 June), and fought at Boxtel 14-15 September 1794. When the Dutch Republic was ‘liberated’ and the Batavian Republic created, Chassé naturally entered Batavian service.

Batavian Republic 1795 - 1806

Chassé entered Batavian service, keeping his rank as lieutenant-colonel. He became commanding officer of the 2de Bataljon Jagers te Voet on 8 July 1795, in addition becoming commander of the fortress-city Nijmegen. He served in Germany under Daendels 1796. Embarked on the fleet at Texel roads July - September 1797 for an invasion of Ireland, but this effort was abandoned. Then he fought against the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland 1799, distinguishing himself. He served in Germany under Dumonceau, 15 July 1800 – 5 April 1801, participating in the siege of Würzburg from November 1800 – January 1801. He distinguished himself during the fighting from 5 - 27 December 1800, capturing an Austrian battery, and taking 400 prisoners during the sortie of 27 December. Promoted to colonel on 18 July 1803 while remaining in command of his jager battalion. Part of Dumonceau’s Expeditionary Division 25 November 1803. Becoming commander of the 1e Regiment Lichte Infanterie on 28 June 1805. Embarked on the fleet at Texel roads August - September 1805. Then going to Germany under Dumonceau, again distinguishing himself; combat of Dürnstein 11 November 1805. Returned to the Batavian Republic March 1806.

Kingdom of Holland 1806 - 1810

The Batavian Republic ceased to exist when King Louis Bonaparte received the crown of the Kingdom of Holland on 5 June 1806. Chassé was still commander of his light infantry regiment, which was renamed 1ste Regiment Jagers on 18 July 1806; 2de Regiment Jagers on 17 September 1806. That same month, the regiment became part of the Expeditionary Force under Dumonceau at Camp Zeist. On 6 October 1806 Chassé was promoted major-general. He became commander of the 3rd Brigade of the Dutch Division Dumonceau in Germany on 23 November 1806. He retained that command until 7 April 1807, in addition becoming commander of the fortress-city Hameln until September 1807.

On 1 January 1807 Chassé was appointed a knight in the Koninklijke Orde van Verdienste (on 14 February 1807 the order was changed in Koninklijke Orde van Holland, on 23 November 1807 again changed, this time in Koninklijke Orde der Unie). During the last days of September 1807, Chassé received command of the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Division (S.J. Bruce) of the Dutch Corps in Germany (Dumonceau), relieving Abbema. Placed non-active duty on 1 January 1808, he was recalled to the Kingdom of Holland on 24 December 1807. Appointed commander of the fortress-city Zutphen 7 January 1808. Commander of the naval harbour Den Helder 21 February 1808 instead of Van Hasselt.

Re-instated in active duty on 23 March 1808. On 2 May 1808 appointed commander of the Waalsdorp Camp near The Hague. Appointed commander of the Dutch Brigade destined for Spain on 21 August 1808. Integrated into the Division Leval of the 4th Army Corps (Lefebvre) 7 September 1808. He would serve with distinction again, receiving the nickname of ‘General Bayonet’ from his soldiers. distinguishing himself in the battle of Durango (30 October 1808); Combat near Guenes (7 November 1808). On 9 November 1808 appointed governor of the Biscaye province. On 15 November 1808 appointed knight of the Légion d’Honneur for Durango; on 11 December 1808 commander of the Koninklijke Orde der Unie. Combat of Mesa d’Ibor (17 March 1809). From 22 March – 17 July 1809 governor of the Estramadura province at Truxillo. Battle of Talavera de la Reina (28 July 1809); Battle of Almonacid (11 August 1809). Taking over command of the Division Leval during the battle of Oçana (19 November 1809). Leading a convoy of 20,000 prisoners to France December 1809 – January 1810. By decree of 1 July 1810 raised to the peerage of the Kingdom of Holland by King Louis Bonaparte, becoming a baron with a yearly dotation of 3,000 guilders taken from the domains in Eastern-Frisia.

French Empire 1810 - 1814

After the incorporation of the Kingdom of Holland into the French Empire on 1 September 1810, Chassé became a general de brigade on 11 November 1810. Still in Spain, on 5 June 1811 governor of the La Mancha province. Baron of the Empire by Imperial Decree of 30 June 1811; appointed commander of the Ordre de la Réunion on 29 February 1812. Serving under Drouet d’Erlon in 1813; battle of Vittoria (21 June 1813). On 16 July appointed commander of the 1st Brigade of the 2nd Division (d’Armagnac) of the Centre Corps of the Army of the South (Drouet d’Erlon). Saving the army in the battle at Maya Pass (25 July 1813), and distinguishing himself at the head of the 28th and 54th Line Infantry Regiments and the 16th Light Infantry Regiment. Appointed officer of the Légion d’Honneur 25 November 1813 for Maya. Soult proposed him for lieutenant-general as well, a rank he would receive with his resignation from French service.

Transferred to the Division Boyer, which was send to the army in the Champagne as reinforcements. On 5 February 1814 Chassé was appointed commander of the 2nd Brigade of the above Division (became the 9th Division of the 7th Army Corps of Marshall Oudinot on 8 February 1814). Battle of Bar-sur-Aube (27 February 1814); combat near Cormeron 15 March 1814. Wounded during the battle of Arcis-sur-Aube (20 March 1814). Directing the defence of Sens on 3 April 1814. Dedicated to the Netherlands as he was, he requested his resignation from French service, which was granted to him on 6 October 1814 in the rank of lieutenant-general.

The Netherlands: Waterloo campaign 1814 - 1815

Known as a loyal, dedicated, and experienced officer, already on 22 October 1814 Chassé entered the young Netherlands army as a major-general. On 22 January 1815 appointed commander of the 1st Military Arrondissement at Louvain. Appointed commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Netherlands Mobile Army on 25 March 1815. Promoted lieutenant-general on 21 April 1815. Part of 1st Army Corps commanded by the Prince of Orange in the Allied army under Wellington. Distinguished himself in the battle of Waterloo, where he executed a decisive attack on the French guards at the end of the day. Acting commander of the 1st Corps, replacing the Prince of Orange, on 21 June 1815. Appointed commander of the Militaire Willemsorde on 8 July 1815 for Waterloo. Resumed command of his Division on 16 July 1815. Acting commander in chief of the Netherlands army in France during the absence of Prince Frederick of Orange from 16 September – 14 October 1815.

Later years 1815 - 1849

On 15 December 1815 in garrison in Mechelen. President of the commission of investigation for the behaviour of Major-General van Wijck, replacing Stedman, on 12 April 1816. Allowed to wear his officers cross of the Légion d’Honneur on 25 September 1816. On 25 February 1817 appointed commander of the 2nd Infantry Division at Louvain. Transferred his headquarters to Brussels on 9 March 1817. Replacing on 7 February 1819 Van der Plaat as commander of the 4de Groot Militaire Commando (Northern and Southern Brabant) at Antwerp. Opposing the Belgian rising in 1830. Commander in chief of the Netherlands troops in Belgium instead of Prince Frederick of Orange on 17 October 1830. Retreated to the citadel of Antwerp on 18 October 1830. Bombarded the city to prevent a Belgian assault on the citadel on 27 October 1830. Promoted general of infantry 29 July 1831. Received the Metalen Kruis on 5 April 1832. He defenced the citadel from 21 November 1832 on against the French Armée du Nord commanded by Marshal Gérard; forced to capitulate on 23 December 1832. Received the Knights Grand Cross of the Militaire Willemsorde for his defence on 25 December 1832 (K.B. No. 63). Prisoner of war, together with the garrison of the citadel and the crews of the Scheldt squadron, in St-Omer from 30 December 1832 – 6 June 1833. After having returned to the Netherlands on 11 June of that year, appointed governor of the fortress-city Breda on 27 January 1834 – 14 July 1839. On 28 October 1839 Chassé became a member of the 1st Chamber of the States-General. Pensioned on 1 January 1841. Resigning as a member of the 1st Chamber of the States-General on 20 September 1848.

Chassé died in Breda on 2 May 1849.