Van Ghent was a Dutch lieutenant‑colonel who, according to a letter dated 23 June 1667, was praised for his “vlijt ende neersticheydt” (diligence and perseverance) in service to the Republic. He was involved in the 1667 Dutch expedition against the English fleet, overseeing the landing of marines on the island of Chappey.
Military career
Van Ghent entered the Dutch army in the early 1660s and was posted to the VOC’s marine forces in the East Indies, where he saw action against the Sultanate of Aceh during the 1659‑1660 campaign. His experience in amphibious warfare made him a natural choice for the Thames operation.
1667 Thames landing
Van Ghent coordinated the deployment of 450 marines and soldiers, working under the overall command of Lieutenant‑Colonel François Palm and Colonel Dolman. The landing proceeded without resistance, and the forces captured English vessels and destroyed several warships.
Connection to Aceh
His earlier service in the Indian Ocean, particularly against Acehnese fortifications, linked him to the broader Dutch‑Aceh conflict that shaped the VOC’s strategic priorities.
See Also
Source
De geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Korps Mariniers van 1665‑1945, OCR text, pp. 43‑46 (20260707_232246_DLP-55-De_geschiedenis_van_het_Nederlandsche_Korps_Mariniers_van_1665_1945_OCR.txt).