Netherlands/ Indonesia: A bloodsoaked Acehnese independence flag, captured by Dutch soldiers in 1840.

This Acehnese flag was captured in 1840 from an Acehnese fort by First Lieutenant C.H. Bischoff of the Dutch colonial forces. Severely wounded, Bischoff was carried off by his comrades wrapped in the flag. Several days later, on 3 May 1840, Bischoff died of his wounds. Before passing away, he was promoted to the rank of captain for his heroic deed. Laboratory research has confirmed that the flag has a bullet hole and bears blood stains.

Although Aceh's independence had been guaranteed by the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1819, the province was supplying half of the world's pepper, and was a sought-after dominion of the European powers and local rajahs. Colonized by the Dutch, the Acehnese fought back many times between the 17th and 19th centuries.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History