View source for Royal Netherlands East Indies

[[nl:Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indisch Leger]]
The '''Royal Netherlands East Indies Army''' (''[[Koninklijk]] Nederlands Indisch Leger''; KNIL) was the  military force maintained by the [[Netherlands]] in its [[colony]] of the [[Netherlands East Indies]] (also known as the Dutch East Indies), in areas that are now part of [[Indonesia]]. The KNIL's air arm was the [[Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force]]. Elements of the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] were also stationed in the Netherlands East Indies.

==History 1830–1942==
[[File:Isaac Israels - Transport of colonial soldiers - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|left|[[Isaac Israëls]], ''Het transport der kolonialen'' (Transport of the Colonial Soldiers), showing recruits for the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army marching through [[Rotterdam]] to their transport to the Dutch East Indies<ref>http://www.googleartproject.com/en-gb/collection/the-kroller-muller-museum/artwork/transport-of-colonial-soldiers-isaac-israels/440388/details/</ref>]]
[[File:Dutch cavalry at Sanur 1906.jpg|thumb|right|Cavalry of the Royal Dutch East India Army in 1906 during the [[Dutch intervention in Bali (1906)]].]]

The KNIL was formed by royal decree on 10 March 1830. It was not part of the [[Royal Netherlands Army]], but a separate military arm specifically formed for service in the Netherlands East Indies. Its establishment coincided with the Dutch drive to expand colonial rule from the 17th century area of control to the far larger territories comprising the Dutch East Indies seventy years later.<ref>[http://www.netherlands-australia2006.com/geschiedenis/au/html/bondgenoten_operaties4.html The Royal Netherlands Indies Army]</ref>{{Failed verification|date=March 2011}}

The KNIL was involved in many campaigns against indigenous groups in the area including the [[Padri War]] (1821–1845), the [[Java War]] (1825–1830), crushing the final resistance of [[Bali]] inhabitants to colonial rule in 1849, and the prolonged [[Aceh War]] (1873–1904).<ref name="indonesianheritage">Ibrahim, Alfian. "Aceh and the Perang Sabil." ''Indonesian Heritage: Early Modern History''. Vol. 3, ed. [[Anthony Reid (academic)|Anthony Reid]], Sian Jay and T. Durairajoo. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2001. p132–133</ref> In 1894, [[Lombok]] and [[Karangasem Regency|Karangasem]] were [[Dutch intervention in Lombok and Karangasem|annexed]] in response to reports of the local Balinese aristocracy oppressing the native [[Sasak]] people.<ref name="vickers">Vickers, Adrian. (2005) A History of Modern Indonesia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p10–11</ref> Bali was finally taken under full control with the [[Dutch intervention in Bali (1906)]] and the final [[Dutch intervention in Bali (1908)]].<ref name="vickers" /> 

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the KNIL prosecuted the conquest of the Indonesian archipelago. After 1904 the Netherlands East Indies were considered pacified, with no large-scale armed opposition to Dutch rule until [[World War II]], and the KNIL served a mainly defensive role protecting the Dutch East Indies from the possibility of foreign invasion.

Once the archipelago was considered pacified the KNIL was mainly involved with military policing tasks. To ensure a sizeable European military segment in the KNIL and reduce costly recruitment in Europe the colonial government introduced obligatory military service for all resident male conscripts in the European legal class in 1917.<ref>Willems, Wim ‘Sporen van een Indisch verleden (1600–1942).’ (COMT, Leiden, 1994). Chapter I, P.32-33 ISBN 90-71042-44-8</ref> In 1922 a supplemental legal enactment introduced the creation of [[Landstorm|Home Guard]] (Dutch: ''Landstorm'') for European conscripts older than 32.<ref>Willems, Wim ‘Sporen van een Indisch verleden (1600–1942).’ (COMT, Leiden, 1994). Chapter I, P.32-36 ISBN 90-71042-44-8</ref>

No large-scale armed threat to Dutch rule existed until [[World War II]].

==World War II==
[[File:KNIL troops.jpg|thumb|left|KNIL troops marching through [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]] on 14 June 1943.]]

Dutch forces in the Netherlands East Indies were severely weakened by the [[Battle of the Netherlands|defeat and occupation of the Netherlands]] itself, by [[Nazi Germany]], in 1940. The KNIL was cut off from external Dutch assistance, except by Royal Netherlands Navy units. The KNIL, hastily and inadequately, attempted to transform into a modern military force able to protect the Dutch East Indies from foreign invasion. By December 1941, Dutch forces in Indonesia numbered around 85,000 personnel: regular troops comprised about 1,000 officers and 34,000 enlisted soldiers, of whom 28,000 were indigenous. The remainder were made up of locally organised militia, territorial guard units and civilian auxiliaries. The KNIL air force, ''Militaire Luchtvaart KNIL'' ([[Royal Netherlands East Indies Air Force]] (''ML-KNIL''))<ref>{{cite web|last = Broshot |first = James |url= http://www.dutcheastindies.webs.com/Dutch_OOB.html |title=Dutch Air Force Order of Battle in the Dutch East Indies, 30 November 1941 |date=1999–2000|work= |publisher=Dutch East Indies Campaign website}}</ref> numbered 389 planes of all types, but was largely outclassed by superior Japanese planes. The Royal Netherlands Navy Air Service, or MLD, also had significant forces in the NEI.<ref>"Armed Forces of World War II" Andrew Mollo ISBN 0-85613-296-9</ref>

During the [[Dutch East Indies campaign]] of 1941–42 most of the KNIL and other Allied forces were quickly defeated.<ref name="autogenerated1941">{{cite web|last = Klemen |first = L |url= http://www.dutcheastindies.webs.com/index.html |title=Dutch East Indies 1941–1942 |date=1999–2000|work= |publisher=Dutch East Indies Campaign website}}</ref> Most European soldiers, which in practice included all able bodied Indo-European males, were interned by the Japanese as [[POW]]s. 25% of the POWs did not survive their internment.

A handful of soldiers, mostly indigenous personnel, mounted guerilla campaigns against the Japanese. These were usually unknown to, and unassisted by, the Allies until the end of the war.

During early 1942, some KNIL personnel escaped to Australia. Some indigenous personnel were interned in Australia under suspicion of sympathies with the Japanese. The remainder began a long process of re-grouping. In late 1942, a failed [[HMAS Armidale (J240)#Operational history|attempt to land in East Timor]], to reinforce [[Battle of Timor|Australian commandos waging a guerrilla campaign]] ended with the loss of 60 Dutch personnel.

Four <small>"NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES"</small> squadrons were formed from ML-KNIL personnel, under the auspices of the [[Royal Australian Air Force]], with Australian ground staff. (See: [[List of Royal Australian Air Force aircraft squadrons#Joint RAAF-Netherlands East Indies Squadrons|RAAF-NEI squadrons]].)

KNIL infantry forces (much like their [[Royal Netherlands Motorised Infantry Brigade|counterparts in the UK]]), were augmented by recruitment among Dutch expatriates around the world and by colonial troops from as far away as the [[Dutch West Indies]]. During 1944–45 some small units  saw action in the [[New Guinea campaign]] and [[Borneo campaign]].

==Order of battle, 12 December 1941==
[[File:Tarakan patrol (P02819-002).jpg|thumb|right|A joint Australian-NEI patrol on [[Tarakan]] during [[Battle of Tarakan (1945)|the retaking]] of the island.]]
'''KNIL''', commanded by LtGen Hein Ter Poorten.

'''Military Group Bandoeng''', overseeing [[Java]], commanded by MajGen J.J. Pesman.
The Military Group Bandoeng divided into three military area commands, i.e. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Military Area Command.

'''1st Military Area Command''', overseeing western part of [[Java]], manned by 1st Infantry division, commanded by Maj Gen W. Schilling.
Main combat units
* 1st Infantry regiment, based in [[Sawah Besar|Weltevreden]], commanded by Col Struivenberg, manned by personnel from
** HQ Company
** Motorised Infantry company
** 10th Infantry battalion, based in [[Sawah Besar|Weltevreden]]
** 11th Infantry battalion, based in [[Meester Cornelis]]
** 12th Infantry battalion, based in [[Meester Cornelis]], commanded by Capt F.A.M. Harterink.
** 14th Infantry battalion, based in [[Buitenzorg]]
* 2nd Infantry regiment, based in [[Bandoeng]], commanded by Col Toorop, manned by personnel from
** HQ Company
** Motorised Infantry company
** 4th Infantry battalion, based in [[Tjimahi]]
** 9th Infantry battalion, based in [[Bandoeng]]
** 15th Infantry battalion, based in [[Bandoeng]]
* Mobile (Armoured) battalion, based in [[Bandoeng]], commanded by Capt G.J. Wulfhorst, manned by
** Reconnaissance platoon, commanded by Lt van Hellenberg Hubar
** Armoured company, commanded by Capt Bakhuis
*** 1st Armoured platoon, commanded by Lt Christan
*** 2nd Armoured platoon, commanded by Lt Cox
*** 3rd Armoured platoon, commanded by SgtMaj Verboeken
** Mechanised infantry company, commanded by Capt Brendgen
*** 1st Mechanised infantry platoon, commanded by Lt Rheasa
*** 2nd Mechanised infantry platoon, commanded by Lt Reep
*** 3rd Mechanised infantry platoon, commanded by WO Kampers
** Motorised Antitank column
** Motorised 2nd battery of 1st Mountain Artillery battalion, commanded by Capt Twiss
* 1st Cavalry regiment, based in [[Bandoeng]], manned by personnel from
** 1st Cavalry squadron, based in [[Meester Cornelis]], commanded by Maj Wessel
** 2nd Cavalry squadron, based in [[Bandoeng]], commanded by Capt Romswinckel
** 5th (Horsed) Cavalry squadron, based in [[Bandoeng]], commanded by Capt Soerjobroto
* 1st Conscript battalion
* 4th Conscript battalion
Detached combat/support units
* Batavia & Tandjong Priok Coast Defence Area
** 1st Air Defence Artillery battalion, based in [[Jakarta|Batavia]]
** 1st Coast Artillery battalion, based in [[Jakarta|Batavia]]
* 3rd Air Defence Artillery battalion, based in [[Bandoeng]]
Divisional support units
* 1st Artillery regiment, based in [[Sawah Besar|Weltevreden]], commanded by Col Koppen, manned by personnel from
** 1st Howitzer Artillery battalion, based in [[Sawah Besar|Weltevreden]], commanded by Maj Schmidtz
** 2nd Field Artillery battalion, based in [[Tjimahi]], commanded by Lt Col Claassen
** 1st Mountain Artillery battalion, based in [[Tjimahi]], commanded by Capt Hanssen
** Depot Mobile Artillery, in [[Tjimahi]], commanded by Col P.C. Hoolboom
* Coastal Artillery unit, based in [[Merak, Banten|Merak]], [[Banten (town)|Bantam]] and [[Pelabuhan Ratu|Pelaboean Ratoe]]
* 1st Engineer battalion, based in [[Sawah Besar|Weltevreden]]
* Technical battalion, based in [[Tjimahi]]
* Pioneer battalion, based in [[Tjimahi]]
* 1st Constabulary battalion, based in [[Sawah Besar|Weltevreden]]
* 1st Transport company
* 2nd Transport company
* 1st (Military Academy) Infantry battalion, based in [[Bandoeng]]
* Military hospital [[Sawah Besar|Weltevreden]]
* Military hospital [[Tjimahi]]
Army Aviation units
* 1st Air Reconnaissance squadron, based in [[Soekaboemi]], commanded by Lt J.W. Verhoven
* 3rd Air Reconnaissance squadron, based in [[Subang Regency|Soebang]], commanded by Lt D. Berlijn

'''2nd Military Area Command''', overseeing central part of [[Java]], manned by 2nd Infantry division, commanded by MG P.A. Cox.
Main combat units
* 4th Infantry regiment, based in [[Magelang]], commanded by Col de Veer, manned by personnel from
** HQ Company
** Motorised Infantry company
** 1st Infantry battalion, based in [[Magelang]]
** 2nd Infantry battalion, based in [[Magelang]]
** 5th Infantry battalion, based in [[Semarang]]
* 3rd Conscript battalion
* 5th Conscript battalion
* 6th Conscript battalion
Detached combat/support units
* South Group, based in [[Soerakarta]], commanded by Col Scholten
** Legion Mangkoe Negoro (battalion), based in [[Soerakarta]]
** 21st Infantry battalion, based in [[Soerakarta]]
** Legion Pakoe Alam (company), based in [[Jogjakarta]]
** 4th Cavalry squadron, based in [[Magelang]], commanded by Capt de Boer
** Life Guards Cavalry squadron, based in [[Jogjakarta]] and [[Soerakarta]], commanded by Capt Lips
** Mountain artillery battery, commanded by Capt van Praag
* Tjilatjap Brigade, based in [[Tjilatjap]]
** 5th company, 9th Infantry battalion
** Volunteer company
** National Reserve company
** City Watchmen company
** 6th Coastal and Air Defence Artillery battalion, based in [[Tjilatjap]]
* 5th Coastal and Air Defence Artillery battalion, based in [[Semarang]], commanded by Capt van Dilst
** Coastal and Air Defence Artillery detachment, based in [[Cheribon]]
** Coastal and Air Defence Artillery detachment, based in [[Tegal, Central Java|Tegal]]
** Coastal and Air Defence Artillery detachment, based in [[Pekalongan]]
** Coastal and Air Defence Artillery detachment, based in [[Semarang]]
Divisional support units
* 2nd Mountain Artillery battalion, based in [[Salatiga]], commanded by Lt Col Reerink
* Signal company
* 4th Transport company
* 2nd (Military Academy) Infantry battalion, based in [[Purworejo Regency|Poerworedjo]]
* 3rd (Military Academy) Infantry battalion, based in [[Gombong]]
* (Military Academy) Cavalry battalion, based in [[Salatiga]], commanded by Lt Col Fokkema
* Military hospital [[Magelang]]
Army Aviation units
* 2nd Air Reconnaissance squadron, based in [[Jogjakarta]], commanded by Capt W.A. Meelhuijsen
* 4th Air Reconnaissance squadron, based in [[Semarang]], commanded by Lt A.L. Cox

'''3rd Military Area Command''', overseeing eastern part of [[Java]], manned by 3rd Infantry division, commanded by MG G.A. Ilgen.
Main combat units
* 6th Infantry regiment, based in [[Malang]], manned by personnel from
** HQ Company
** Motorised Infantry company
** 3rd Infantry battalion, based in [[Malang]]
** 8th Infantry battalion, based in [[Malang]], commanded by Capt J.W.R.H. Doorman.
** 13th Infantry battalion, based in [[Malang]], commanded by Maj G.J. van der Meulen.
* 3rd Cavalry squadron, based in [[Malang]], commanded by Capt de Longh
* 6th Cavalry squadron, based in [[Malang]]
* ? Conscript battalion
* ? Conscript battalion
Detached combat/support units
* Soerabaja Defence Zone
** Barisan Korps Madoera (regiment), based in [[Soerabaja]]
*** 1st (Barisan Korps) infantry battalion
*** 2nd (Barisan Korps) infantry battalion
*** 3rd (Barisan Korps) infantry battalion
*** 4th (Barisan Korps) infantry battalion
*** (Barisan Korps) Artillery battery
** 2nd Air Defence Artillery battalion
** Coastal Artillery battalion, based in [[Soerabaja]], commanded by Maj von de Eem
** 2nd Conscript battalion
** Marine infantry battalion
** 2nd Constabulary battalion, based in [[Soerabaja]]
** Radar company
* Bali Detachment, commanded by LtCol W.P. Roodenburg
** Korps Prajoeda (battalion), based in [[Bali]]
** Coastal Artillery team
Divisional support units
* 2nd Artillery regiment, based in [[Malang]], commanded by Col van Dijk, manned by personnel from
** 1st Field Artillery battalion, based in [[Malang]], commanded by Maj Stenger
* 2nd company, 2nd Constabulary battalion, based in [[Malang]]
* 3rd Transport company
* Military hospital [[Malang]]
Army Aviation unit
* 5th Air Reconnaissance squadron, based in [[Malang]]

'''Sumatra High Command''', overseeing the island of [[Sumatra]], commanded by MajGen R.T. Overakker.
The Sumatra High Command divided into four territorial commands, i.e. North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riouw and South Sumatra.

'''North Sumatra Territorial Command''', overseeing northern part of [[Sumatra]], commanded by Col G.F.V. Gosenson.
Territorial units
* North Sumatra 1st Garrison battalion, based in [[Koetaradja]]
* North Sumatra 2nd Garrison battalion, based in [[Koetaradja]]
* Constabulary battalion, based in [[Koetaradja]]
* Composite battalion, based in [[Medan]]
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Medan]]
* Composite detachment, based in [[Sabang, Indonesia|Sabang]]
Support units
* Coastal Artillery detachment, based in [[Medan]]
* Coastal Artillery units, based in [[Belawan]] and [[Deli Serdang Regency|Deli]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''West Sumatra & Tapanoeli Territorial Command''', overseeing western part of [[Sumatra]], commanded by Lt Col J.H.M. Blogg.
Territorial units
* West Sumatra 1st Garrison battalion, based in [[Padang]]
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Padang]]
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Padang]]
* West Sumatra 2nd Garrison battalion, based in [[Fort de Kock]]
* 2 companies of West Sumatra 2nd Garrison battalion, based in [[Padang Panjang|Padangpandjang]]
Support units
* Coastal Artillery battery, based in [[Emmahaven]]
* Air Defence Artillery battery, based in [[Pekanbaru|Pakanbaroe]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Riouw Territorial Command''', overseeing eastern part of [[Sumatra]], commanded by Maj J.H. de Vries.
Territorial units
* Riouw Garrison battalion, based in [[Tanjung Pinang|Tandjoengpinang]]
* Conscript company, based in [[Tanjung Uban|Tandjoengoeban]]
* Conscript company, based in [[Sambu Island|Poelo Samboe]]
Support unit
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''South Sumatra Territorial Command''', overseeing southern part of [[Sumatra]], commanded by Lt Col L.W.N. Vogelsang.
Territorial units
* South Sumatra Garrison battalion, based in [[Palembang]]
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Palembang]]
* Infantry company, based in [[Djambi]]
* Composite company, based in [[Djambi]]
Support units
* Coastal Artillery battery, based in [[Palembang]]
* Air Defence Artillery battery, based in [[Palembang]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''West Borneo Territorial Command''', overseeing western part of [[Borneo]], commanded by Lt Col D.P.F. Mars.
Territorial units
* West Borneo Garrison battalion, based in [[Pontianak, Indonesia|Pontianak]]
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Pontianak, Indonesia|Pontianak]]
* City Watchmen platoon, based in [[Singkawang]]
* City Watchmen platoon, based in [[Sintang Regency|Sintang]]
Support units
* Air Defence Artillery battery, based in [[Singkawang]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''South and East Borneo Territorial Command''', overseeing southern and eastern part of [[Borneo]], commanded by Lt Col H.T. Halkema.
Territorial units
* South and East Borneo Garrison battalion, based in [[Bandjermasin]]
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Bandjermasin]]
* Militia column, based in [[Bandjermasin]]
* City Watchmen platoon, based in [[Amuntai|Amoentai]]
* City Watchmen platoon, based in [[Barabai]]
* City Watchmen platoon, based in [[Kandangan]]
Support units
* Air Defence Artillery section, based in [[Bandjermasin]]
* Air Defence Artillery section, based in [[Pangkalan Bun|Koetawaringin Air]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Balikpapan Local Command''', overseeing the city of [[Balikpapan]], commanded by Lt Col C. van den Hoogenband.
Local unit
* 6th Infantry battalion, based in [[Balikpapan]],
Support units
* 2nd Coastal and Air Defence Artillery battalion, based in [[Balikpapan]], commanded by Capt Fergusen
* Engineer company, based in [[Balikpapan]]
* Engineer squad, based in [[Samboja, Kutai Kertanegara|Sambodja]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Tarakan Local Command''', overseeing the city of [[Tarakan]], commanded by Lt Col S. de Waal.
Local unit
* 7th Infantry battalion, based in [[Tarakan]]
Support units
* 3rd Coastal and Air Defence Artillery battalion, based in [[Tarakan]], commanded by Capt Bakker
* Engineer platoon
* Engineer platoon
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Samarinda Local Command''', overseeing the city of [[Samarinda]], commanded by Capt G.A.C. Monteiro.
Local units
* Infantry company, based in [[Samarinda]]
* Militia company, based in [[Samarinda]]
Support units
* Coastal and Air Defence Artillery battery, based in [[Sanga-Sanga, Indonesia|Sanga-sanga]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Samarinda II Air Base Local Command''', overseeing [[Samarinda II Air Base]], commanded by Maj G. du Rij van Beest Holle.
Local unit
* Militia company, based in [[Samarinda II Air Base]]
Support units
* Air Defence Artillery battery, based in [[Samarinda II Air Base]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Celebes Territorial Command''', overseeing the island of [[Celebes]], commanded by Col M. Vooren.
The Celebes Territorial Command divided into three local commands, i.e. Manado, Kendari and Makassar.

'''Manado Local Command''', overseeing the northern part of [[Celebes]], commanded by Maj B.F.A. Schilmöller.
Local units
* National Reserve battalion, based in [[Manado]], commanded by Capt W.C. van den Berg.
** A Company commanded by 1Lt A.O. Radema
** B Company commanded by 1Lt W.G. van de Laar
** C Company commanded by 1Lt H. Fucher
** D Company commanded by 1Lt J.G. Wielinga
** E Company commanded by Sgt Maliëzer
* Infantry company, based in [[Manado]], commanded by Capt W.F.J. Kroon.
* Volunteer company, commanded by Capt J.D.W.T. Abbink.
* Conscript company, commanded by Lt F. Masselink.
* Militia company, commanded by Capt J.H.A.L.C. de Swert.
* City Watchmen company, commanded by Lt M.A. Nolthenius de Man.
* Mobile column, commanded by SgtMaj A.J. ter Voert.
Support units
* National Reserve depot in [[Manado]]
* Coastal and Air Defence Artillery battery, based in [[Manado]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment
'''Kendari II Airbase Garrison''', overseeing [[Kendari II Airbase]], commanded by Capt F.B. van Straalen.
Local units
* Infantry company, commanded by Capt E.G.T. Anthonio.
* Infantry company
Support units
* Air Defence Artillery detachment
* Air Defence Artillery detachment
'''Makassar Local Command''', overseeing the southern part of [[Celebes]], commanded by Col M. Vooren
Local units
* Infantry company
* Infantry platoon
* Constabulary platoon
* Volunteer company
* National Reserve company
* Conscript company
* City Watchmen company
* Mobile column
* Militia company
Support units
* Militia depot in [[Makassar]]
* Coastal Artillery detachment, based in [[Makassar]]
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Timor Territorial Command''', overseeing [[Lesser Sunda Islands]], commanded by LtCol W.E.C. Detiger.
Territorial units
* Timor Garrison battalion, based in [[Koepang]], commanded by LtCol N.L.W. van Straten.
* 3rd company, 8th Infantry battalion, based in [[Atambua|Atamboea]], commanded by Capt C.L.E.F. van Swieten
* Machine gun platoon, based in [[Koepang]]
Support unit
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Moluccas Territorial Command''', overseeing [[Maluku Islands|Moluccas Islands]], commanded by Lt Col J.L.R. Kapitz.
Territorial units
* Moluccas Garrison battalion, based in [[Ambon, Maluku|Amboina]], commanded by Maj H. H. L. Tieland.
** 4th company, Moluccas Garrison battalion, commanded by Capt Jan Kaseger.
* Militia battalion, commanded by Lt Didi Kartasasmita.
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Ambon, Maluku|Amboina]]
* City Watchmen company, based in [[Laha (village)|Laha]]
* National Reserve company, based in [[Ambon, Maluku|Amboina]]
* National Reserve company, based in [[Saparua|Saparoea]]
Support units
* 4th Coastal and Air Defence Artillery battalion, based in [[Ambon, Maluku|Amboina]], commanded by Maj Buur.
* Engineer platoon
* Mobile Auxiliary First-Aid detachment

'''Military Aviation of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army''', based in [[Soerabaja]], commanded by [[Ludolph Hendrik van Oyen|Lt Gen L.H. van Oyen]], acting commander Col E.T. Kengen.
* 1st group, based in [[Bandoeng]]
** 1st squadron of 1st group, based in [[Samarinda]], commanded by Capt W.F.H. van Rantwijk
** 2nd squadron of 1st group, based in [[Singkawang]], commanded by Capt R. De Seneport Domis
* 2nd group, based in [[Malang]]
** 1st squadron of 2nd group, based in [[Malang]], commanded by Lt. H.M.E. van Leyden
** 2nd squadron of 2nd group, based in [[Malang]], commanded by Capt. D.L. Asjes
* 3rd group, based in [[Meester Cornelis]], commanded by Lt Col W.J. van Gulik
** 1st squadron of 3rd group, based in [[Singapore]], commanded by Lt F.R. Letting
** 2nd squadron of 3rd group, based in [[Subang Regency|Soebang]], commanded by Lt E.W.H. Spiekerman
** 3rd squadron of 3rd group, based in [[Singapore]], commanded by Lt A.B. Wolff
* 4th group, based in [[Madioen]]
** 1st squadron of 4th group, based in [[Meester Cornelis]], commanded by Lt M.W. van der Poel
** 2nd squadron of 4th group, based in [[Bandoeng]], commanded by Lt R.A.D. Anemaet
*** 4th flight of 2nd squadron of 4th group, based in [[Ambon, Maluku|Amboina]], commanded by Lt F.E. Broers
** 3rd squadron of 4th group, based in [[Madioen]]
* 5th group, based in [[Buitenzorg]]
** 1st squadron of 5th group, based in [[Singkawang]], commanded by Lt A.A.M. van Rest
*** 1st flight of 1st squadron of 5th group, based in [[Samarinda]], commanded by Lt P.A.C. Benjamins
*** 2nd flight of 1st squadron of 5th group, based in [[Samarinda]], commanded by 2Lt J.N. Droog
** 2nd squadron of 5th group, based in [[Singapore]], commanded by [[Jacob van Helsdingen|Capt J.P. van Helsdingen]]
** 3rd squadron of 5th group, based in [[Singapore]]
* 6th (Depot) group, based in [[Madioen]]
** 1st squadron of 6th group, based in [[Bandoeng]], commanded by Capt S. de Mul

==1945–1950==
[[File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Militair bij de status-quo-lijn bij Gombong waar onderhandelingen plaatsvinden TMnr 10029233.jpg|thumb|right|200px|KNIL Soldier with an [[Thompson submachine gun|M1928 submachine gun]], circa 1948.]]
Following World War II, the KNIL was used in [[Politionele acties|two large military campaigns]] in 1947 and 1948 to re-establish Dutch control of Indonesia. The KNIL and its [[Ambonese]] auxiliaries have been accused of committing [[war crimes]] during this "police action". Dutch efforts to re-establish their colony failed and Netherlands recognition of Indonesian sovereignty came on 27 December 1949.<ref>"Last Post – the End of Empire in the Far East", John Keay ISBN 0-7195-5589-2</ref> On 26 January 1950, elements of the KNIL were involved in an abortive coup in [[Bandung]] planned by [[Raymond Westerling]] and [[Sultan Hamid II]]. The coup failed and only accelerated the dissolution of the federal [[Republic of the United States of Indonesia]].<ref name="nationalismandrevolution" />

The KNIL was disbanded by 26 July 1950 with its indigenous personnel being given the option of demobilising or joining the [[Indonesian National Armed Forces|Indonesian military]].<ref>[http://cgi.omroep.nl/cgi-bin/streams?/tv/vpro/GE/sb.Plechtighedendjakartapolygoon.asf?title=De plechtigheden in Djakarta bij de opheffing van het KNIL Polygoon 1950 3 min. 20;embed=1 '''Video footage showing the official ceremony disbanding the KNIL''']</ref> However, efforts to integrate former KNIL units were impeded by mutual distrust between the predominantly Ambonese KNIL troops and the Javanese-dominated Republican military; leading to clashes at [[Makassar]] in April and the attempted secession of an independent [[Republic of South Maluku]] (RMS) in July.<ref name="nationalismandrevolution" /> These revolts were suppressed by November 1950 and approximately 12,500 Ambonese KNIL personnel and their families opted for temporary resettlement in the Netherlands.<ref>The complicated story of the disbanding of the KNIL is set out briefly here. For a more extended analysis see Manuhutu (1987); Steylen (1996: 33–63); van Amersfoort (1982: 101–8). The psychological impact of the dissolution of the KNIL on the Ambonese servicemen is described in Wittermans (1991).</ref> Following this, the KNIL ceased to exist but its traditions are maintained by the [[Regiment Van Heutsz]] of the modern [[Royal Netherlands Army]]. At the time of disbandment the KNIL numbered 65,000, of whom 26,000 were incorporated into the new Indonesian Army. The remainder were either demobilised or transferred to the Netherlands Army.<ref>John Keegan, page 314 "World Armies", ISBN 0-333-17236-1</ref>

==Recruiting==
[[File:Javaanse KNIL-militairen.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Decorated indigenous KNIL soldiers, 1927.]]

During the 19th century the KNIL recruited Dutch volunteers and foreign [[mercenary|mercenaries]] of several nationalities.<ref>Blakely, Allison (2001). Blacks in the Dutch World: The Evolution of Racial Imagery in a Modern Society. Indiana University Press. p. 15 ISBN 0-253-31191-8</ref> During the protracted [[Aceh War]] the numbers of European troops were kept to 12,000 but continued Achenese resistance necessitated the deployment of up to 23,000 indigenous soldiers (mainly from [[Java]], [[Ambon Island|Ambon]], and [[Manado]]).<ref>Vickers (2005), p. 13</ref> Even slaves of the [[Ashanti people|Ashanti]] ([[Ivory Coast]] and [[Ghana]]) were recruited in limited numbers for service in the [[East Indies]] (see [[Belanda Hitam]]).<ref>[http://www.radionetherlands.nl/thenetherlands/weeklyfeature/030309elmina.html Radio Netherlands Worldwide] – Ghana's Java connection</ref> The ratio of foreign and indigenous troops to those of Dutch origin was reported to be 60% to 40%. After the Aceh War, the enlistment of non-Dutch European troops ceased and the KNIL came to consist of Dutch regulars recruited in the Netherlands itself, Indonesians, [[Indo people|Indos]] (Eurasians), and Dutch colonists living in the East Indies and undertaking their military service.
[[File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Een groep Indische militairen rust uit bij het oversteken van een rivier TMnr 10001951.jpg|thumb|left|Indigenous KNIL troops, 1938]]

In 1884 personnel strength was numbered at 13,492 European, 14,982 Indonesian, 96 African, and at least 1,666 Eurasian recruits. The officer corps was wholly European and was probably close to 1,300. There were also about 1,300 horses.<ref name="Strength">''The Armed Strength of the Netherlands and Their Colonies''. Trotter, JK. The British War Office Intelligence Division 1887. ISBN 9781104382513. p 162-167.</ref> Recruitment was carried out in Holland and India, with over 1,000 Dutch subjects and 500 other nationalities enlisting annually. The foreign troops consisted of [[Flemish people|Flemish]], [[Germans|German]], [[Swiss people|Swiss]], and [[French people|French]] volunteers. [[Walloons]], [[Arabs]], and nationals of both the [[United Kingdom]] and [[United States]] were forbidden from serving. Other foreigners who could not prove fluency in either Dutch or German were also not accepted for service.<ref name="Strength"/>

It was against the law to send Dutch conscripts from the Netherlands to the East Indies but Dutch volunteers continued to enlist for colonial service in the KNIL. In 1890 a Colonial Reserve (Koloniale Reserve) was established in the Netherlands itself to recruit and train these volunteers and to re-integrate them into Dutch society upon the conclusion of their overseas service. On the eve of the Japanese invasion in December 1941, Dutch regular troops in the East Indies comprised about 1,000 officers and 34,000 men, of whom 28,000 were indigenous. The largest proportion of these "native troops" had always consisted of Javanese and Sundanese soldiers.<ref>Javanese have always been the largest indigenous element of the colonial army. Cribb, R.B. (2004) ‘Historical dictionary of Indonesia.’ Scarecrow Press, Lanham, USA.ISBN 0 8108 4935 6, p. 221 [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=SawyrExg75cC&dq=number+of+javanese+in+KNIL&source=gbs_navlinks_s]</ref><ref>The KNIL statistics of 1939 show at least 13,500 Javanese and Sundanese under arms compared to 4,000 Ambonese soldiers.Source: [http://www.defensie.nl/nimh/geschiedenis/tijdbalk/1814-1914_nederlands-indi/ Netherlands Ministry of Defense].</ref> During the [[Japanese Occupation of Indonesia|Japanese occupation]], most of the Dutch and Ambonese personnel were interned in [[POW]] camps.

During the [[Indonesian National Revolution]], the KNIL's officers were still largely Dutch and Eurasians although most of its troops were recruited from predominantly Christian eastern Indonesia, particularly the South Moluccas, Timor and Manado. Although there were smaller numbers of Javanese, [[Sundanese people|Sundanese]], [[Sumatra]]n and other Muslim troops in Dutch service, these received comparatively lower rates of pay than their Christian counterparts, leading to resentment and distrust. The Dutch sought to take advantage of these ethnic tensions by claiming that the Ambonese would lose their special privileges and [[pension]]s under a Javanese-dominated government.<ref name="nationalismandrevolution">Kahin, George McT. ''Nationalism and Revolution in Indonesia''. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1952. p452</ref> As noted above, these factors contributed to clashes between demobilised KNIL units and the [[Republic of Indonesia]]'s military throughout 1950.<ref name="nationalismandrevolution" />

<gallery>
File:Vickers Light Amphibious Tank.jpg|The [[Carden Loyd tankette|Vickers light amphibious tank]] was used by Dutch forces in the East Indies.
</gallery>

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
* Bosma, Ulbe: [http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0159-20110201137 ''Emigration: Colonial circuits between Europe and Asia in the 19th and early 20th century''], [[European History Online]], Mainz: [[Institute of European History]], 2011, retrieved: 23 May 2011.
* Hoofdkwartier Militaire Luchtvaart – Overzicht 1947 (5 pc), ''Flash Aviation'', 2005.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Royal Dutch East Indies Army}}
*  [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2RYcv-yPQY/ Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) 1819–1950]
*  [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/nl-landmacht-knil.htm Global Security – Royal Dutch Indian Army]
*  [http://www.indischekamparchieven.nl/en/general-information/per-island/java Netherlands Institute for War Documentation: East Indies Camp Archives]
* {{cite web
 | last = Womack
 | first = Tom
 | title = An Abandoned Army: The KNIL and The Japanese Invasion of Northern Dutch Sumatra
 | url=http://www.dutcheastindies.webs.com/north_sumatra.html
 | work = The Netherlands East Indies 1941–1942
}}

{{Wikidata| Q523553}}

[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1830]]
[[Category:Military history of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Disbanded armies|Indonesia]]
[[Category:Royal Netherlands Army]]
[[Category:Dutch East Indies]]
[[Category:Dutch conquest of Indonesia]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1950]]
[[Category:1830 establishments in the Dutch East Indies]]