August Baerdemans
August Baerdemans (1610 - ...) was the first Vryheer of the Transbataafsche Vrystaat. As lieutenant-general, he helped establish and develop the Vrije Weermacht, the military force of his homeland. He was a devoted catologian and proponent of Batavian supremacy above that of other ethnic groups. His foreign views were limited to seeking recognition for his republic, while also staying strictly neutral. He viewed his southern brethren, the Kasterburgers, as favourable partners, while the Kalgachians were seen as "useful, but not favoured, allies".
He supported the nationalist projects of the first administrations to strengthen unity, like with the construction of the Weerstandsmonument in Nackholm. In the 1680's he was appointed as Field Marshal of the Batavian Armed Forces. In 1712 AN, following the Treaty of Raynor's Keep which was signed the year previous, Benacia Command recognised August's son, Hermanus Baerdemans, as Veldmaarschalk en Opperbevelhebber of Batavian forces in the region following its return to Shirerithian sovereignty, vesting him with command of the Western Banner Group of Allied Forces on the continent.
