Until 1945, Indonesia was a Dutch colony known as the Netherlands East Indies. In 1930, the area had over 60 million inhabitants and was a major exporter to Japan, providing some 13 per cent of its oil needs - second only after the United States. Following Germany's occupation of the Netherlands in May 1940, Japan decided to expand its influence in the Netherlands East Indies. Defending the colony was the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL). This force, designed primarily for colonial policing, underwent a series of cutbacks in the interwar years before adopting a modernisation programme in 1936, which focused on building up a strike air force, introducing tanks and increasing the firepower of the infantry and artillery. Fully illustrated with period photographs and full-colour artwork, this book examines the dress, insignia, equipment, organization and combat performance of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army as it faced the all-conquering Japanese forces in World War II.
In 1933 the Oost-Indisch Leger was renamed Koninklijk Nederlandsch Indsch Leger (KNIL), or the Royal Netherlands Indies Army. During that time, the KNIL
In 1933 the Oost-Indisch Leger was renamed Koninklijk Nederlandsch Indsch Leger (KNIL), or the Royal Netherlands Indies Army. During that time, the KNIL
Photos of the Brewster F2A Buffalo in Netherland East Indies Air Force NEIAF service defending Indonesia Java in World War Two
The Fokker T.IX was a Dutch twin-engined bomber designed and built by Fokker for the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force as a replacement for their obsolescent Martin-built bombers.
In 1933 the Oost-Indisch Leger was renamed Koninklijk Nederlandsch Indsch Leger (KNIL), or the Royal Netherlands Indies Army. During that time, the KNIL
This light tank designed as a private venture was at first purchased by the Marines for evaluation, but export soon took place to the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army and to China.
The CTMS was among the largest light tanks on offer by Marmon Herrington, but due to delays only a few were delivered to the Dutch East Indies Army to fight the Japanese.
The Fokker T.IX was a Dutch twin-engined bomber designed and built by Fokker for the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force as a replacement for their obsolescent Martin-built bombers.
In 1933 the Oost-Indisch Leger was renamed Koninklijk Nederlandsch Indsch Leger (KNIL), or the Royal Netherlands Indies Army. During that time, the KNIL
