Hieronymous Cruse (Jeronimus Croase) (died 20 June 1687) was a soldier and explorer for the Dutch East India Company in South Africa.
During the early years of the East India Company's presence in South Africa, the interior of the country remained largely unexplored.
Cruse was one of a number of explorers tasked with discovering routes through the interior and gathering intelligence on local tribes.
[10] In September 1670, Cruse (a sergeant at the time) was commanding a post at Saldanha Bay when he came under attack by Admiral De la Haye of the French East India Company.
[2] In later years Cruse was promoted through the ranks of the military, and as a lieutenant was invited in 1674 to join the Governor's policy council.