A Dutch squadron caught in ice at Den Helder fell into French hands in 1795. Orangist officers then resigned rather than serve the new Batavian Republic, leaving it critically short of experienced commanders. The Stadtholder encouraged them to return to service in defense of the Netherlands, and the republic allowed them back into senior posts. Their continued opposition to the regime made formal service a poor guide to political loyalty. Both factions regarded themselves as Dutch patriots, so an act of service to the Orangist cause could also be treason against the republic.
Notable Point · 20:40-25:20
Den Helder, cavalry, and officers with divided loyalties
An officer shortage pushed the Batavian government to readmit Orangists whose opposition to the republic had prompted their resignations.