J.P. van Lier was a Captain in the 3e Bataljon Infanterie who commanded the vanguard during the First Conquest of the Great Missigit on 10 April 1873.
Military Exploits
Van Lier played a crucial role during the first assault on Atjeh’s Groote Missigit. His troops were the first to breach the walls. When multiple attempts by his soldiers to climb the Stormladders failed or stalled, Van Lier personally scaled a ladder to lead by example. As he peered over the wall, he sustained a severe klewang (sword) or stone wound to his forehead, bleeding profusely. He was carried down by his men. Despite his wounds, he requested that his unit be the last to execute the Retreat from the Missigit, marching back with immense pride and receiving a musical salute ordered by J.H.R. Köhler.
See Also
Source
De verovering van Atjeh’s groote Missigit by J.F.D. Bruinsma, Sneek, 1889, pp. 20, 56-57.