CAPTAIN J.C.J VAN SPEYCK’S GUNBOAT No. 2

Gunboat of the Dutch fleet which took part in the bombing of Antwerp in 1831. Its armament was made up of one 30-pound cannon on bow, of two 24-pound carronades along the sides, and of two 8-pound cannons on stern.
In 1831 young 2nd. Class lieutenant Van Speyck was in command of gunboat ‘’S. Barbar’’which belonged to the Dutch Squadron entrusted with the task of patrolling between Doel and Antwerp.
So he happened to take part in the bombing of the port town on 3rd. February 1831,
And due to an accident his gunboat got stranded on the shore.
Taking advantage of this situation the Belgian revolutionaries took possession of the boat and one of their officers asked for the Ship’s papers to the young captain who was 29 years old. Van Speyck answered calmly ; “I’II go and look for them. I’II be back in a minute” and he disappeared into a alley-way leaving the officer on the deck.
In order to safeguard the honour of his flag, the valiant captain set fire to the gunpowder and blew up the ship together with her crew and the revolutionaries. Van Speyck’s body was buried in the New Church of Amsterdam and in this occasion he was appointed knight of William’s Military Order for his breavery and his heroism.
King William himself cited Captain Van Speyck as an example at the time of the stipulation of the peace treaty between the Low Countries and Belgium and said to a diplomat,
“I am determined to fight with my teeth and nails and if necessary I will follow Van Speyck’s example.

Another nicely completed model

Beautiful build yzwong. Very nice indeed

Spencer