Tjot-Goe was a Dutch military post in the southern section of the geconcentreerde stelling (concentrated position) in Groot-Atjeh. Unlike most external posts, Tjot-Goe was not evacuated in 1885 but was retained due to its favorable position for covering construction activities.
Location
Tjot-Goe was situated on a heuvel (hill) of 40 meters height at a short distance from the new line. The elevated position provided excellent observation and fire control over the surrounding area, making it valuable for covering operations in the southern section.
Military Significance
Pre-Concentration Era
Tjot-Goe was one of the posts that had existed before the concentration decision of 1884. Its elevated position made it strategically valuable for:
- Observation of enemy movements
- Covering construction activities
- Providing artillery fire support
Role During Concentration
Despite being outside the originally planned line, Tjot-Goe was retained because its favorable situation allowed it to dekken (cover) the construction activities in the southern section of the position. The hilltop position provided an excellent observation post that enhanced the overall defensive capability of the area.
Fortification
Tjot-Goe was:
Status: Retained outside the main line Garrison: 1 company of Infantry Armament: 1 × 12cm breech-loading gun, 1 × 8cm field gun, 1 Coehoorn mortar
The post was connected to Ketapan-Doea by paths from Lampeneroet, allowing supply and reinforcement.
Significance
Tjot-Goe’s retention demonstrated the pragmatic approach to the concentration. Rather than strictly adhering to the planned perimeter, the Dutch retained positions that provided genuine tactical advantage. The hilltop position provided:
- Early warning of enemy approach
- Artillery support for the southern section
- Covering fire for construction and patrol activities
Later Status
As of August 1885, Tjot-Goe remained occupied. The author noted that its favorable situation justified its retention, though the post was eventually evacuated as the position was consolidated.
Account from Verstege’s Een beroep op het Nederlandsche volk (1886)
Verstege adds: here, on 29 July 1884, the so-called friendly chief and supplier Imam Habib had his followers unexpectedly attack a Dutch patrol of 27 bayonets on its return march to Tjot-Goe (see Ambush at Tjot-Goe (29 July 1884)); the post itself stood outside the new line of 1885 and was provisionally retained “totdat de tramlijn Ketapang-Doewa – Lambaroe gereed zou zijn” (“until the tramline Ketapang Doewa-Lambaroe would be ready”); on 17 June 1885 a patrol of 25 men, on the way from Tjot-Goe to the line, found the enemy and lost two dead and four wounded, the enemy carrying off two rifles (see Guerilla raids inside the concentration line (1885)).
See Also
- Geconcentreerde Stelling
- Ketapan-Doea
- Lampeneroet
- Completion of the Concentrated Position (March 1885)
- Aceh War
- Groot-Atjeh
Source
De Geconcentreerde Stelling in Groot-Atjeh, ‘s-Gravenhage: De Gebroeders Van Cleef, 1885, pp. 18, 21, 28.
Een beroep op het Nederlandsche volk in zake het Atjeh-vraagstuk, door J. J. W. E. Verstege (Amsterdam: J. H. de Bussy, 1886), pp. 82, 86, 109. OCR: DLP-158.