Hans Hermann Eschke

Hans Hermann Eschke (10 November 1856 in Berlin to 19 July 1904 in Singapore) was the first German Consul General in Singapore.

His father, Professor Hermann Eschke (1832-1900), was a marine and landscape painter in Berlin, Germany. The father's connections with those close to the German Emperor are said to have been substantial for Hans Hermann Eschke's carrier in the diplomatic service, which eventually led to his position in Singapore.

After joining the Prussian Ministry of Justice, the legal professional Hans Hermann Eschke was sent to Singapore in 1889 as consul and first full-time German diplomat. The German Empire was interested in extending its influence in the region, particularly with regard to Tsingtao (China). In Singapore Eschke was part of a circle of well-respected German merchants. Right at the beginning of his stay he met Olga Sohst, daughter of the well-known German merchant and honorary consul Theodor Sohst, and married her just three months after his arrival. From Olga's dowry the young couple bought their own house, Mount Rosie. Thanks to the family Sohst's excellent connections Eschke and his wife Olga succeeded quickly in working for the interests of the local German community.

From the end of 1898 through 1899 Eschke took office as resident minister in Bangkok. During this time his father-in-law Theodor Sohst, who had before acted as honorary consul in Singapore, replaced him. In January 1902 Eschke was also appointed consul for the British-controlled part of Borneo, the colonies of Labuan and the united protected states of the Malacca peninsula, based in Singapore. 1903 the Consulate in Singapore was reorganized into a Consulate General and Eschke was appointed as Imperial German Consul General. That same year the administrative district was extended to the Sultanate Johore. In addition, Eschke administered the Austria-Hungarian Consulate General as well as, from December 1903 on, the Turkish Consulate General.

The high esteem that Eschke enjoyed while representing the German interests in the Straits is expressed in the local press (Straits Times 1904) as an obituary on his death: "Yesterday, all the Consulates and the big office buildings, as well as the German ships in the harbour flagged half-mast because of him passing away. The banks and other office buildings closed already at 1pm as a sign of mourning."

Hans Hermann Eschke's grave was originally located on the Old Cemetery and after its abolishment was relocated on the Fort Canning National Park near Canning Rise. In a “19th Century Walk of History” ten steles are set up in memory of the early European residents in Singapore. Two steles remind of German residents, one of which is set up for Hans Hermann Eschke.

Sources:

- Hans Hermann Eschke. Der erste Deutsche Berufsdiplomat in Singapur, in: Impulse, The Magazine for the German speaking Community in Singapore, October 1989 163/7/1989, S. 16-18
- Fort Canning Park. The National Parks Board (NPARKS), Singapore