Van der Werf was a corporal of the Korps Mariniers who took part in the assault on the Mesigit during the April 1873 operations. According to the marine reports, his unit provided covering fire that helped set the building ablaze, facilitating the subsequent capture by Dutch forces.
His actions are noted for demonstrating the effectiveness of marine infantry when integrated with naval artillery.
See Also
Source
20260707_232246_DLP-55-De_geschiedenis_van_het_Nederlandsche_Korps_Mariniers_van_1665_1945_OCR.txt, p. 124.