Godert de Ginkel, 1st Earl of Athlone

The Earl of Athlone
1st Earl of Athlone, portrait by Godfrey Kneller.
Personal details
Born14 June 1644
Amerongen
Died11 February 1703 (aged 58)
Utrecht
OccupationGeneral
Military service
Battles/wars

Godard van Reede, 1st Earl of Athlone (14 June 1644 – 11 February 1703) was a Dutch States Army officer and nobleman who rose to prominence during the Williamite War in Ireland. During the Franco-Dutch War, his bravery and meticulous execution of duties as a cavalry officer caught William of Orange's attention. Rapid promotions followed, and in 1691, he was entrusted with command of the war in Ireland. Alongside Waldeck and Schomberg, Athlone became one of the few senior officers to whom William granted independent command over the Anglo-Dutch forces during his wars.

He decisively defeated a Franco-Irish army at the Battle of Aughrim, securing control over Ireland. Back on the continent, he took part in the key battles and sieges of the Nine Years’ War. After William's death during the War of the Spanish Succession, he vied for command of the combined Anglo-Dutch army in the Low Countries, but the role was given to the Duke of Marlborough. Nevertheless, in 1703, the Dutch States General appointed Athlone as commander of the Dutch forces, but he died four months later.