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Commemorating major Thomson: The first soldier killed in a peacekeeping mission

Portrait of Major Lodewijk Willem Johan Karel Thomson, commander of the Dutch military mission. He is shown in sepia tone, wearing a decorated military uniform with epaulets and a high collar, and has a prominent mustache. He gazes to the left in this historical photograph. Download original size
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Commemorating major Thomson: The first soldier killed in a peacekeeping mission

Major Thomson, peacekeeper and politician, with a public ceremony at the monument on the square that bears his name.

2 min read 12 Jun 2025 Download text

On Monday 16 June from 10:45 to 11:30, a public commemoration will be held at the Thomsonplein monument in The Hague to honour Major L.W.J.K. Thomson, the first soldier in history to fall during an international peacekeeping mission. Speakers will include H.E.Mr. Artur Kuko, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Peter Kievoet, Director of International Affairs at the Hague Municipality, Mrs. Caroline van der Plas, Member of Parliamentand and Lt. Colonel J. Schouten, Representative of the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The ceremony marks the legacy of a man whose life bridged military service, politics, and international diplomacy.

Domenique Geeve
By Domenique Geeve
Travel, culture, fashion and museum passionate.
Operation

The peace mission to Albania

In 1914, the Netherlands contributed officers to help establish order in the newly independent state of Albania. Major Thomson was appointed to lead this international gendarmerie mission. Upon arrival, his leadership was met with respect, but the situation on the ground was unstable. On 15 June 1914, while overseeing operations in the port city of Durrës, Thomson was fatally struck by a bullet. 

His death marked a historic first: never before had a soldier lost his life during a peacekeeping operation. It occurred just weeks before the outbreak of World War I.

Major Roelfsema standing with cane and binoculars beside a stone wall at the location in Durrës, Albania, where Major Thomson was fatally shot during the 1914 peace mission. An armed soldier stands guard in the background. Download original size
Forces

A life of service to country and city

Lodewijk Willem Johan Karel Thomson (1869–1914) served with distinction in both military and political spheres. He began his career in the Dutch army, later participating in campaigns in the Dutch East Indies and South Africa. His courage earned him the Military Order of William. Beyond the battlefield, he was a reform-minded officer who advocated for transparency and modernisation within the armed forces.

Thomson’s civic commitment was equally significant. He was a member of the House of Representatives for the Liberal Union and served as a city councillor in The Hague. His political work was driven by a sense of public duty that mirrored his military values: responsibility, structure, and service.

Full-length portrait of Major Lodewijk Thomson in formal military uniform with high boots, decorated medals, and a long cape. He stands in a studio setting with a painted backdrop, exuding authority and poise. Download original size
Historic black-and-white photo of Thomsonplein in The Hague, circa 1935, featuring the statue of Major Lodewijk Thomson in the foreground and a view of surrounding residential buildings and shops.
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A monument at Thomsonplein
To honour his legacy, a monument was displayed in 1918 at a square named after him: Thomsonplein. The design, originally conceived by Charles van Wijk and completed by Arend Odé, features a life-sized statue of Thomson in full military uniform. Two curved benches face the monument, and the pedestal bears an inscription summarizing his service and titles. This site stands not only as a tribute but also as a symbol of The Hague’s long-standing role in promoting peace and the rule of law.
Ceremony

Open commemoration on 16 June

Members of the press and public are allowed to attend the ceremony on Monday 16 June from 10:45 to 11:30 at Thomsonplein, The Hague. The event is a moment to reflect on the past, honour those who served for peace, and highlight The Hague’s enduring international mission.

Stone statue of Major L.W.J.K. Thomson in military uniform and cape, standing atop a pedestal at Thomsonplein in The Hague, flanked by a semicircular stone bench and set against a backdrop of local shops. Download original size
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