The Defense Plans for the Dutch East Indies during World War II

History Documentaries

Early 1942 the Dutch East Indies Campaign started. In a few month the Japanese conquered the Dutch East Indies. The KNIL (Koninklijk Nederlands Indisch Leger; Royal Netherlands East Indies Army) was not able to stop the Japanese onslaught. Did you know the KNIL was the so-called ‘third line of defense’. The Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force (Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger, ML-KNIL) was the first and the second was the Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine). The KNIL was led by Hein ter Poorten. In 1927 plans were established for a proper defense against a foreign invader.

Credit History Hustle