Hendrik Van Nassau-Ouwerkerk

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Hendrik van Nassau-Ouwerkerk (The Hague, 16 December 1640 – Roeselare, 18 October 1708), lord of Ouwerkerk and Woudenberg was a Dutch military officer. His (difficult) name was changed in English to "Overkirk".

He was the son of Louis of Nassau-Beverweerd, himself a bastard-son of stadtholder Maurice of Nassau. Ouwerkerk belonged to the entourage of William III, and took part in all his campaigns. He became an English citizen in 1689, just like others from William's entourage. In London he lived at 10 Downing Street, which was called 'Overkirk House' at the time.

Ouwerkerk became the primus inter pares of all Dutch generals in April 1704 by becoming a field-marshal. However, because of the deal the United Provinces had made with England, the duke of Marlborough was to be supreme-commander of the sea-powers' armies when they operated together.

Therefore Ouwerkerk did not lead any campaigns, except when Marlborough was in another theatre, and the Dutch theatre was on the defensive (1704, 1705).

Ouwerkerk was one of the few Dutch generals appreciated by Marlborough.

[edit] Service Record

1674: present at the battle of Seneffe .

1678: present at the battle of St. Denis, where he saved the live of William III.

1693: present at the battle of Neerwinden.

1705: commanding the Dutch army while breaking the Lines of Brabant.

1706: commanding the left wing at the battle of Ramillies, and playing a major part in the victory.

1708: commanding the left wing at the battle of Oudenaarde.

1708: Fell ill during the siege of Lille and died 4 days later of disease in camp at nearby Roeselare.