Kapitein De With was a Dutch naval captain whose squadron was stationed at the northern mouth of the Rivier van Riouw near the island of Mars during the 1784 Dutch expedition. His vessels, a frigate and several Company ships, were attacked by indigenous boats, prompting urgent assistance from Van Braam (commander).
Engagement at Mars
When the enemy launched a surprise attack on De With’s squadron, Van Braam dispatched landing craft to support him. The encounter resulted in a brief but intense skirmish, after which De With’s forces withdrew to the safety of their ships.
Significance
De With’s involvement illustrates the coordination between naval and land forces in Dutch operations against local resistance in the Riau‑Sulu region.
See Also
Source
De geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Korps Mariniers van 1665-1945, OCR text, pp. 81‑82.