Herman Coster

Hermanus 'Herman' Jacobus Coster (1865–1899) was a Dutch lawyer and State Attorney in the South African Republic. Born in Alkmaar, Netherlands, he attended schools in Alkmaar and Leiden before studying law at Leiden University, where he led the student corps. His education was supported by his uncle, Dr. T.H. Blom Coster, and he was associated with the Young Flemish Movement. He earned a PhD in 1890 on public voluntary auctions.

Due to his family's financial difficulties, Coster moved to South Africa, where he worked as a lawyer and served as state attorney from 1895 to 1897 under President Paul Kruger. His resignation followed Kruger's insult towards the 'Hollanders.' During the South African War (1899–1902), Coster joined the Hollanderkorps, a Boer volunteer unit, and was killed at the Battle of Elandslaagte in 1899. He was lauded as a hero in the Netherlands, with several hagiographies published about him.

In his honor, the Herman Coster Fund was established for Dutch and Afrikaans students, and various streets were named after him across the Netherlands and South Africa. A commemorative plaque was placed in Leiden, and an exhibition featuring his story was held in Amsterdam in 2017.