Colonel Van de Pol was the commander of the Dutch infantry contingent that participated in the Tamiang expeditions of February 1893 and March‑April 1893. He led a force of 130 infantrymen from Deli (province) and later oversaw a combined force of up to 430 troops during the second expedition. His leadership is noted for coordinating naval and land operations against Atjeh insurgents.
Early Role
In February 1893, Colonel Van de Pol embarked from Deli (province) with his infantry to support the Royal Netherlands Navy flotilla under Lieutenant‑Commander W. Allirol against the insurgent forces of Nja‑Makam.
Second Expedition
During the March‑April 1893 campaign, Van de Pol commanded a larger force comprising 280 infantry and 90 native auxiliaries, later reinforced to 430 men with artillery support. He directed assaults on fortified redoutes (field fortifications) and coordinated river crossings at Seroeway and Oud‑Seroeway.
Legacy
His actions contributed to the temporary suppression of resistance in the Tamiang basin, though the broader Aceh War continued for decades. Dutch military reports praised his coordination with naval units.
See Also
Source
De geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Korps Mariniers van 1665‑1945, OCR, page 146‑147.