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Willem Joseph GhentLieutenant-Admiral of the Dutch Navy. He served in the Dutch Navy from 1648. In 1666, he took part in the Dutch Navy's raid at the mouth of the Thames River. In 1672, he died during the Battle of Solebay. Baron van Gent was the first commander of the special
Date of Birth: 16.05.1626
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
Willem Joseph Baron van Ghent
Early Life and CareerWillem Joseph Baron van Ghent was born on May 16, 1626, in Winsen, the Netherlands. He hailed from an ancient noble family from Gelderland, with several relatives holding prominent military and diplomatic positions in the Dutch Republic.
Around 1645, Van Ghent joined the army, rising to the rank of infantry captain by 1648. On March 6, 1663, he was promoted to major. In 1664, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Governor of Hellevoetsluis, a key naval port for the Rotterdam Admiralty.
Diplomatic Role
In 1665, Van Ghent served as a diplomat, representing the Dutch Republic in negotiations with Danish authorities regarding merchant ships returning from the East Indies. His proficiency in French, German, and English made him well-suited for this role.
Naval Service
Four Days' BattleDuring the Four Days' Battle of the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1666, Van Ghent commanded the flagship "Gelderland." The ship faced capture by the English, but the intervention of Jan van Brakel prevented its fall.
Battle of Solebay
In 1672, Van Ghent participated in the Battle of Solebay. He led the rearguard of 24 ships aboard the "Dolfijn," serving under the Admiralty of Amsterdam, as opposed to the Admiralty of the Maas and the Admiralty of Friesland.
Death
During the Battle of Solebay, Van Ghent was fatally struck by enemy shrapnel. His body was interred in the Dom Cathedral of Saint Martin in Utrecht.
