Hendrik Bosch

Hendrik Bosch (26 February 1776 – unknown) was a Dutch military officer and colonial government official, who in his later life made a career in the administration on the Dutch Gold Coast.

Biography
Bosch was born in Spanbroek to Bernardus Bosch and Elisabeth Struis. He began his military career in 1800 and participated in various military campaigns. As a soldier in the French Napoleonic Army, he participated in the Russian Campaign of 1812 and in the German Campaign of 1813. He then switched sides and fought for the Netherlands against France in Napoleon's Hundred Days. During the Belgian Revolution, Bosch defended the citadel of Liège.

Major general Jan Verveer, who was asked by the Dutch government to reform the colonial administration of the Dutch Gold Coast in the wake of the Dutch-Ahanta War, recommended Bosch to be installed as governor of the colony:

"Mister Bosch is about 61 years old, but is of extraordinary good physical condition. He has served for three years as a soldier in Suriname. His military career has been rich in practical experience; - his behaviour was exemplary at all times; - he lived a plain and sobre life; - his judgement is sound and he is a soldier in heart and soul."

- Major general J. Verveer

Bosch eagerly accepted the office and was installed by royal decree of 23 March 1838, arriving in Elmina in August of the same year. He did not serve his full term and returned to Europe on 13 March 1840.

Personal life
Hendrik Bosch married Maria Lohman, with whom he had two sons and one daughter.

Decorations

 * Order of the Netherlands Lion (Knight)
 * Metal Cross 1830-1831