1727–1729
Extraordinary soldier desertions under Governor Noodt
Unusually high levels of soldier desertion occurred during Governor Pieter Gysbert Noodt's administration, exposing tensions within the VOC military and labour order.
View in timelineUnusually high levels of soldier desertion occurred during Governor Pieter Gysbert Noodt's administration, exposing tensions within the VOC military and labour order.
Significance
The desertions exposed the strain that pay, discipline and service conditions placed on the VOC military system and weakened the force responsible for defending the colony.
Why it matters
The desertions exposed the strain that pay, discipline and service conditions placed on the VOC military system and weakened the force responsible for defending the colony.
Disputed interpretations
Individual motives varied and surviving records are filtered through VOC legal and administrative categories.