Retch was a coastal settlement on the east coast of Sumatra, situated north of Djambi. In the autumn of 1858 it became the focal point of a Dutch naval expedition, during which the Korps Mariniers attacked a pirate stronghold commanded by panglima besar Soeloong.
Strategic Importance
Retch served as a gathering point for dissatisfied groups in the region and was defended by a number of sea‑rovers who had established a fortified camp along the river bearing the same name.
The 1858 Expedition
The Dutch force, under A. J. Kroef, landed with a small marine detachment, overcame a heavy rattan barrier at the main entrance, and captured the fort after intense fighting. The engagement resulted in the death of panglima besar Soeloong and the capture of numerous cannons and firearms.
See Also
Source
De geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Korps Mariniers van 1665‑1945, OCR text, pp. 112 – 113.