Chronicles The Death of Kohler (3)

On April 14, 1873, Kohler troops tried to seize a mosque. Mosque is a strategic place for Aceh fighters.

"We must be able to seize the mosque. According to our spies, if mosques that can be mastered, the fighting spirit of enemies will decline," Kohler said to his troops.

Kohler and his troops to the mosque. They were armed to the teeth. I was among the cordon the army. Ready to fight. Ready to kill enemy as many. I want to end this war to be reunited with family.

When our troops neared the mosque, we were attacked by Aceh fighters.

"Keep your position!" Shouted Kohler.

We also took a position to aim at enemies. We are under attack from all directions. It seems that our arrival had been awaited by the Aceh fighters.

Some fighters fired at us.

"Shit!" Kohler abused. "They also had a gun."

Fierce fighting occurred again.

"O, God, ik ben getroffen!" Shouted Kohler in Dutch.

We were shocked. We see Kohler fallen. He groaned in pain. Our troops panic and uncontrolled after Kohler were hit by Aceh fighters.

It slowly we left the mosque with Kohler's corpse.

The Dutch were foiled, in their efforts to seize the Sultan's palace. We were beaten off while suffering heavy losses: 45 were killed, including 8 officers; 405 wounded, 23 of whom officers. Three days after General Köhler's death, the Dutch withdrew to the coast whence after we had been permitted by their government on April 23, we departed on April 29, 1873. The first Dutch offensive was a total failure.