Johan Arnold Bloys van Treslong

Who was Johan Arnold Bloys van Treslong?

Johan Arnold Bloys van Treslong was a Dutch naval officer and Patriot. He started his naval career in 1772 as midshipman with the Admiralty of the Maze. He served the Dutch Republic on the North Sea, in the West Indies and in the battle with islamic pirates in the Mediterranean.

In 1781, he fought in the naval battle of Cape St. Mary under the command of Pieter Melvill van Carnbee, and from 1782 till 1787 he was commander of several ships in the Mediterranean. He was laid off in 1787 because of his support for the Patriots' faction. This ill-favouredness lasted until 1793. After the ringing defeat during the Battle of Camperdown in 1797 he was made a scapegoat, but his reputation was later restored.