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Charles
Henry VerHuell was born on 4 February 1764, in
Doetinchem, The Netherlands, as the fifth child
of Quirijn VerHuell and Judith baroness of
Rouwenoord van den Ulenpas. Charles Henry had
four older brothers, two younger sisters, and
also a step-sister from his father's first
marriage. Two of his brothers, Christian and
Maurits Anne, entered the navy. Christian later
became one of the highest officers of the
Republic of the seven united Netherlands (Republick
der zeven Vereenigde Nederlanden -Dutch-).
Maurits Anne would later become an admiral in the
Russian navy.
Charles Henry first went to the land-forces, but
his heart was with the navy; therefore, at the
age of fourteen, during the fourth Dutch-English
war, his father allowed him to enter the navy. On
August 5, 1781, VerHuell took part in the battle
of Doggersbank. Being in charge of one of the
Dutch ships during that battle, he was later
awarded the Doggersbank Medal by Prince William V.
of Orange for the bravery he displayed in
evacuating his wounded men to a hospital during
the battle. After receiving the Doggersbank Medal,
VerHuell was allowed to carry a sabre. |
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