How to Pronounce Heinrich Holk
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Apr 28, 1599 Helsingør, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark Died on 09 Sep 1633 (aged 34)
Danish-German mercenary
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About Heinrich Holk
- Heinrich Holk (also Holke or Henrik Holck; 18 April 1599 – 9 September 1633) was a Danish-German mercenary in both Christian IV of Denmark's and Albrecht von Wallenstein's service during the Thirty Years' War.Holk was born in Kronborg castle, Denmark.
- Serving Christian IV, he was commander of the Danish-Scottish force in the Battle of Stralsund in 1628, defending the besieged town of Stralsund against Wallenstein's imperial army.
- When Christian was forced into a peace with Wallenstein in 1629, Holk entered the latter's service.
- In 1632, he was given a cavalry command.
- His unit, referred to as "Holk's Horse", was known for their fierce attitude not only in battle, but also in pillage and rape - "notorious even in an age of atrocities".
- He took part in the devastation and looting of the Electorate of Saxony, and faced Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden's cavalry in the Battle of Lützen.
- The battle marked the end of his active career, though he remained in office as a senior commander.
- The following year, he died of plague in Kronborg castle, Denmark while negotiating a truce after a two-week battle near Saxony. Holk retired after two weeks and, on Wallenstein's orders, renewed talks with Arnim who was then visiting Johann Georg.
- The two generals met for dinner when Holk suddenly fell ill.
- Fearing poison, he was assured otherwise and left in his coach to confer with his subordinates.
- By now it was obvious he had the plague and they refused to see him.
- He died by the road side alone, his coachman having gone to fetch a priest.
