# Free Dutch forces

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WWII military of the Dutch government-in-exile

[Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL)](/source/Royal_Netherlands_East_Indies_Army) troops marching through [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne), Australia on 14 June 1943.

v t e Free Dutch campaigns Caribbean Neuland Aruba Curaçao Europe Dunkirk Dynamo Atlantic Overlord1 La Caine Market Garden Pheasant Infatuate Veritable Mediterranean and Middle East Cape Bon Convoy UGS-402 Southwest Pacific Dutch East Indies 1st Borneo Manado Tarakan Balikpapan Ambon Palembang Makassar Strait Badung Strait Timor Java Java Sea Sunda Strait North Western Area Lilliput2 Cockpit Crimson Borneo Oboe Two 1:Escort duty/post-landings; 2:Merchant ships

v t e Dutch East Indies campaign 1941 Borneo 1942 Tarakan Manado Balikpapan Kendari Samarinda Banjarmasin Ambon Makassar Strait Sumatra Palembang Badung Strait Timor USS Langley 1st Java Sea Sunda Strait Riau Islands Java Kalijati Leuwiliang Tjiater Pass 2nd Java Sea

v t e New Guinea campaign 1942 Battle of Rabaul 1st Lae-Salamaua Coral Sea Kokoda Track Milne Bay Goodenough Island Buna–Gona Lilliput Merauke 1943 Wau Bismarck Sea I-Go 2nd Lae-Salamaua Chronicle Markham-Ramu-Finisterres Wewak Raid Huon Peninsula New Britain Bombing of Rabaul 1944–45 Neutralisation of Rabaul Admiralties Emirau Take Ichi Western New Guinea

The **Free Dutch Forces** refers to the [Dutch military](/source/Armed_forces_of_the_Netherlands) formations of the [Dutch government-in-exile](/source/Dutch_government-in-exile) and [its colonies](/source/Dutch_Colonial_Empire) that were formed to fight alongside the [Western Allies](/source/Allies_of_World_War_II) against [Nazi Germany](/source/Nazi_Germany) and its [allies](/source/Axis_powers) during [World War II](/source/World_War_II) following the [Dutch surrender](/source/Battle_of_the_Netherlands) in May 1940.

After the [Battle of France](/source/Battle_of_France), Dutch infantry that had escaped to Britain organized themselves into a "Dutch Legion," which after more structural changes became the [Princess Irene Brigade](/source/Princess_Irene_Brigade) and fought alongside the Allies until the [end of the war](/source/End_of_World_War_II_in_Europe). In the [West Indies](/source/Dutch_West_Indies), the local defense force protected some of the largest oil refineries in the world, while the [Royal Netherlands East Indies Army](/source/Royal_Netherlands_East_Indies_Army) (KNIL) played a major part in the [Pacific War](/source/Pacific_War) from 1941 to 1942. The [Royal Netherlands Navy](/source/Royal_Netherlands_Navy), the strongest branch of the [Dutch Armed Forces](/source/Armed_forces_of_the_Netherlands), served all over the world.

## In Europe

### German invasion

A [Loyd Carrier](/source/Loyd_Carrier) of the Princess Irene Brigade, in September 1944.

The Dutch were unprepared for the full force of [German invasion](/source/Battle_of_the_Netherlands) and by 14 May 1940 all of the Netherlands save for the south western province of [Zeeland](/source/Zeeland) had been overrun. The Dutch government fled to London, taking with them the national [bullion](/source/Bullion) and diamond stocks. The [Dutch government-in-exile](/source/Dutch_government-in-exile) established itself under [Queen](/source/Queen_of_the_Netherlands) [Wilhelmina of the Netherlands](/source/Wilhelmina_of_the_Netherlands) and remained in London until the end of the war.[1][2]

### In exile

Main article: [Princess Irene Brigade](/source/Princess_Irene_Brigade)

Free Dutch Forces in Europe primarily consisted of the Princess Irene Brigade, British commando units and those undertaking escort duty.[3][4] Most of the Dutch soldiers that escaped did so from Belgian and French ports at [Brest](/source/Brest%2C_France) and [Cherbourg](/source/Cherbourg). By June 1940, 1,460 officers and soldiers had arrived in Great Britain. This Detachment Royal Netherlands' Troops in Great Britain (sometimes The Dutch Legion) was initially assigned to guard duties, being shuffled between several British Army bases[5][3] until the Dutch government decided to establish a Dutch unit. On 27 May 1940, the call for troops was issued. A number of Dutch personnel volunteered for American and Canadian armies with some being posted to the Dutch East Indies.[5] Others like the [Royal Marechaussee](/source/Royal_Marechaussee) (military and civil police) were assigned to police and guard duties in London or as gunners in the [merchant marine](/source/Merchant_marine). Volunteers from 26 countries answered the call, although mostly older age men; about 80 men served in [British Commando](/source/British_Commando) units.[3] Many of these men served in the [No. 2 (Dutch) Troop](/source/No._10_(Inter-Allied)_Commando#No._2_(Dutch)_Troop) of the No. 10 Inter-Allied Commando.[6] Other Dutch personnel served in the [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force) as members of [320 (Netherlands) Squadron](/source/No._320_(Netherlands)_Squadron_RAF) and [321 (Dutch) Squadron](/source/No._321_(Dutch)_Squadron_RAF).[7]

On 11 January 1941, the Dutch government formally established the "Royal Dutch Brigade". This formation was renamed the "[Princess Irene Brigade](/source/Princess_Irene_Brigade)" on 26 August 1941 after the [2nd granddaughter](/source/Princess_Irene_of_the_Netherlands) of Queen Wilhelmina.[5][4] In the [21st Army Group](/source/21st_Army_Group) (General [Bernard Montgomery](/source/Bernard_Montgomery)), the brigade fought from [Normandy](/source/Normandy) to Holland, participating in a liberation parade in Amsterdam.[8] The conscription of emigrants and their offspring was put introduced to expand the [Dutch Armed Forces](/source/Dutch_Armed_Forces) with men from the United States, Canada, South Africa, South America, the United Kingdom and other countries entering service. Many of these conscripts had never been to the Netherlands nor spoke or read any Dutch.[3][9] On establishment the brigade consisted of a headquarters staff, a communications unit, two battalions, a depot supply train, a medical support post, a repair unit and military police. The depot supply train would later form a third battalion.[5] The brigade undertook training firstly in [Guelph](/source/Guelph), then [Stratford, Ontario](/source/Stratford%2C_Ontario) alongside British units.[3][10]

The Princess Irene Brigade[11] consisted of a headquarters, three companies, reconnaissance unit, artillery battery, and train. Attempts to form a complete brigade, including a full complement of artillery and a tank unit were not successful.[5][12] The unit never totaled more than about 2,000 men at one time with a total of around 3,000 serving, less than the 3,000 to 4,000 personnel normally associated with a [brigade](/source/Brigade).[3]

### Normandy landings

Following the [landings at Normandy](/source/Landings_at_Normandy) the Princess Irene Brigade, under Colonel A. C. de Ruyter van Steveninck, landed 8 August 1944.[13] The brigade first saw combat under the British [6th Airborne Division](/source/6th_Airborne_Division_(United_Kingdom)) at the [River Orne](/source/River_Orne_(Normandy))[14] near [Breville](/source/Breville), of the [Orne bridgehead](/source/Orne_bridgehead),[15] called the "Hell-Fire Corner" by the Canadians, taking a single casualty.[13]

Following on the heels of the retreating Germans, the brigade advanced losing 15 men in the process by mid-September.[13] On 11 September 1944, in eastern Belgium around [Campine](/source/Campine), the brigade came into contact with German [SS](/source/Schutzstaffel), [paratroopers](/source/Fallschirmj%C3%A4ger_(World_War_II)), and fellow enemy countrymen of the [Dutch SS Landstorm](/source/34th_SS_Volunteer_Grenadier_Division_Landstorm_Nederland).[14]

### Operation Market Garden

Main article: [Operation Market Garden](/source/Operation_Market_Garden)

On 20 September 1944 at midnight they crossed the Dutch border near Valkenswaard, located south of Eindhoven[13] as a part of [Operation Market Garden](/source/Operation_Market_Garden). The brigade took positions along the river [Meuse](/source/Meuse) ([Dutch](/source/Dutch_language): *Maas*) near the then unnamed [John S. Thompsonbrug](/source/John_S._Thompsonbrug) bridge.[15] The unit also participated in the liberation of [Tilburg](/source/Tilburg) in 1944.[3]

### End of the war

On 25 April 1945, the brigade attempted to cross near [Hedel](/source/Hedel) in an attempt to force the surrender of the German garrison cut off in northern Holland. Following the German surrender the Brigade marched victoriously into The Hague.[15]

A monument to 12 members of the Princess Irene Brigade killed between 23 and 26 April 1945 was erected in Hedel, Netherlands.[16] The brigade's traditions would be carried on by the [Garderegiment Fuseliers Prinses Irene](/source/Garderegiment_Fuseliers_Prinses_Irene) regiment.[3]

## In the West Indies

The Dutch presence in the Caribbean and South America was minimal. The [Netherlands West Indies](/source/Netherlands_Antilles) included the possessions of [Aruba](/source/Aruba), [Bonaire](/source/Bonaire), [Curaçao](/source/Cura%C3%A7ao), [Saba](/source/Saba_(island)), and [Sint Eustatius](/source/Sint_Eustatius) and [Sint Maarten](/source/Sint_Maarten). Just to the south lay [Surinam](/source/Surinam_(Dutch_colony)). At the Netherlands' entrance into the war in 1940, the West Indies was only defended by local police and militia.[17][18] The only Dutch naval vessel stationed there was the [sloop](/source/Sloop) [*Van Kinsbergen*](/source/HNLMS_Van_Kinsbergen_(1939)).[19] Surinam was protected by a single 200-strong company of Army infantry, supplemented by a militia rifle company and an old station ship.[17]

Aruba and Curaçao were home to important oil refineries, therefore the two islands were placed under British protection on 10 May 1940.[20] Surinam was one of the most important [bauxite](/source/Bauxite) suppliers. Aluminium was vital to the American airplane industry. In September 1941, President [Franklin D. Roosevelt](/source/Franklin_D._Roosevelt) offered American troops to help protect the colony. In November 1941, the first 1,000 American troops arrived in [Paramaribo](/source/Paramaribo).[21][22] In 1942, protection of Aruba and Curaçao was transferred to the United States.[20]

In 1942 funding was made available in Surinam for [coastal artillery](/source/Coastal_artillery) and conscription. Conscripted soldiers in Surinam and the West Indies formed national guard units, called *Schutterij*. Hundreds of conscripts served as [anti-aircraft](/source/Anti-aircraft) gunners on merchant and navy vessels during the war, of whom dozens were killed. Volunteers joined the Civic Guard (*Burgerwacht*) in the West Indies and the City and Country Guard (*Stad en Landwacht*) in Surinam.[23] By then a Dutch motor whaleboat patrolled Aruba[24] while Curaçao was defended by several light craft. The latter were detached for use as convoy escorts in July 1942.[25]

## In the East Indies

### Rise of the Japanese

The Dutch East Indies (dark red) within the Empire of Japan (light red) at its furthest extent.

Soon after Japan joined the Axis powers it began to expand its territory south. The Free Dutch Forces in the [Dutch East Indies](/source/Dutch_East_Indies) started preparing for the Japanese attack with the Allies. On 8 December 1941 at 7:00 a.m. the Dutch Government declared war on Japan.[26] The [American-British-Dutch-Australian Command (ABDACOM)](/source/American-British-Dutch-Australian_Command) was formed; however, with the loss at [Battle of the Java Sea](/source/Battle_of_the_Java_Sea), the [Japanese attack](/source/Dutch_East_Indies_campaign) on the Dutch East Indies[26] and subsequent collapse of resistance, the ABDACOM dissolved only weeks later.[27] Defending against invasion were 93,000 Dutch troops and 5,000 American, Australian and British soldiers.[28] After four months fighting the Japanese occupied most of the Dutch East Indies with only the southwestern part of the island of [New Guinea](/source/New_Guinea), including the Dutch garrison at [Merauke](/source/Merauke), not under their control.[29][30] A small garrison of Dutch troops, consisting of an infantry company, remained at Merauke and was later reinforced by Australian and US personnel from [Merauke Force](/source/Merauke_Force).[31][32] Meanwhile, in the wake of the loss of the Dutch East Indies, large numbers of Free Dutch personnel escaped to Australia where they were reorganised; four joint Dutch-Australian squadrons – [Nos. 18](/source/No._18_(Netherlands_East_Indies)_Squadron_RAAF), [19](/source/No._19_(Netherlands_East_Indies)_Squadron_RAAF), [119](/source/No._119_(Netherlands_East_Indies)_Squadron_RAAF) and [120](/source/No._120_(Netherlands_East_Indies)_Squadron_RAAF) Squadrons – were formed within the [Royal Australian Air Force](/source/Royal_Australian_Air_Force) during this time.[33][34][35][36] Several Dutch naval vessels, including the light cruiser [HNLMS *Tromp*](/source/HNLMS_Tromp_(1937)),[37] and several submarines, also escaped to Australia and operated throughout the war.[38]

### Return of the Dutch

Australian and KNIL soldiers patrolling during the 1945 Battle of Tarakan

In early 1942, the Japanese launched a [campaign in New Guinea](/source/New_Guinea_campaign), advancing south towards [Port Moresby](/source/Port_Moresby) in the [Territory of Papua](/source/Territory_of_Papua). Throughout 1942 and 1943, the Allies fought several campaigns to stop the Japanese advance in the Pacific, with significant actions being fought in Papua, New Guinea and the Solomons by largely US and Australian forces.[39] In April 1944, the Allies launched a [campaign](/source/Western_New_Guinea_campaign) to recapture the western part of New Guinea as part of their [advance towards the Philippines](/source/Philippines_campaign_(1944%E2%80%931945)).[40] After the victory in the [Battle of Noemfoor](/source/Battle_of_Noemfoor), which included a 40-man Netherlands East Indies Civil Administration (NICA) detachment,[41] the Allies recaptured more of western New Guinea. Later, in September, the Allies, including a NICA detachment, recaptured the [Morotai](/source/Battle_of_Morotai) region.[42]

On 5 October 1944, based on [FRUMEL](/source/FRUMEL) intelligence, the Free Dutch Forces submarine *[Zwaardvisch](/source/HNLMS_Zwaardvisch_(P322))* was ordered to intercept the German U-boat [U-168](/source/U-168). At [periscope depth](/source/Periscope_depth) on the morning of 6 October, the *Zwaardvisch* under the command of Lieutenant Commander H Goosens spotted the *U-168* off the northern coast of [Java](/source/Java). Well positioned, Goosens ordered a six torpedo spread sinking the German U-boat with the loss of 23 men. The *Zwaardvisch* returned safely to [Fremantle](/source/Fremantle) 20 days later after having sunk four more enemy ships.[43] On 1 May 1945, the Allies launched their last [campaign](/source/Borneo_campaign_(1945)) against Japanese in Borneo, commencing with the [Battle of Tarakan](/source/Battle_of_Tarakan_(1945)).[44] The majority of combat troops were Australian, although the Free Dutch Forces provided a company of [Ambonese](/source/Ambon_Island) infantry commanded by Dutch officers and a [civil affairs](/source/Civil_Affairs) unit.[45]

The Dutch Army also participated in the [Balikpapan](/source/Battle_of_Balikpapan_(1945)) in July 1945, where a small number of Dutch [KNIL](/source/KNIL) troops were assigned to the operation alongside Australian and US personnel;[46] the Dutch contribution amounted to a company from the [1st NEI Battalion](/source/1st_Infantry_Battalion_(KNIL)).[47] Major operations in Borneo ended in late July, although minor clashes in Borneo continued until the Japanese surrendered in August 1945.[48][49]

## See also

- [Battle of the Netherlands](/source/Battle_of_the_Netherlands)

- [Dutch government-in-exile](/source/Dutch_government-in-exile)

- [Dutch East Indies campaign](/source/Dutch_East_Indies_campaign)

- [Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies](/source/Japanese_occupation_of_the_Dutch_East_Indies)

## Citations

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [The National Archives – War Cabinet Weekly Résumé (No. 37) of the Naval, Military and Air Situation](http://filestore.nationalarchives.gov.uk/pdfs/small/cab-66-7-wp-40-158-38.pdf)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Kerr, Mary Lee (1989). [*Foreign visitors to Congress: Speeches and History*](https://books.google.com/books?id=hbkiAAAAMAAJ&q=%22Free+Dutch+Forces%22). Washington, DC: United States Capitol Historical Society. p. 209. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-527-91823-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-527-91823-1).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-GoDutch_3-7) ["Veterans 'Prinses Irene Brigade' Help Celebrate Unit's 60th Anniversary » The Windmill news articles » goDutch"](http://www.godutch.com/newspaper/index.php?id=316). *www.godutch.com*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ArmyQuarterly1998_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ArmyQuarterly1998_4-1) Bridge, T. D., ed. (1998). [*The Army Quarterly and Defence Journal*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Vp4rAAAAYAAJ&q=Princess+Irene+Brigade). West of England Press. p. 405. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780117020351](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780117020351).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ToW_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ToW_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ToW_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ToW_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ToW_5-4) Frank van der Drift. ["Prinses Irene Brigade"](https://www.tracesofwar.com/articles/2544/Prinses-Irene-Brigade.htm?c=gw). *www.tracesofwar.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEChappell199646_6-0)** [Chappell 1996](#CITEREFChappell1996), p. 46.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFoot201248_7-0)** [Foot 2012](#CITEREFFoot2012), p. 48.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-USHMM_8-0)** ["Jacques Grootkerk and members of the Princess Irene Brigade of Dutch Free Forces rides in a military vehicle in the liberation parade in Amsterdam. – Collections Search – United States Holocaust Memorial Museum"](https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/pa1050725). *collections.ushmm.org*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Viewfinder_9-0)** Roozeboom, Willem Bakhuys (March 2011). [*Through My Viewfinder*](https://books.google.com/books?id=po8M7-XJ1FkC&q=Princess+Irene+Brigade&pg=PA11). AuthorHouse. pp. 12–13. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781456713270](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781456713270).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Grapes, Patrick (26 April 2017). ["Stratford getting visit from Netherlands royal family"](https://www.mystratfordnow.com/41651/stratford-getting-visit-netherlands-royal-family/). *My Stratford Now*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Sander, Gordon F. (2007). [*The Frank Family that Survived*](https://books.google.com/books?id=1uR4CdmiXO8C&q=%22Free+Dutch+Forces%22+Princess+irene+brigade&pg=PA189). Cornell University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0801473722](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0801473722).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["History of the Royal Netherlands"](http://www.prinsesirenebrigade.nl/history_of_the_royal_dutch_briga.htm). *www.prinsesirenebrigade.nl*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Hunger_Winter_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Hunger_Winter_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Hunger_Winter_13-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Hunger_Winter_13-3) Zee, Henri A. Van Der (1998). [*The Hunger Winter: Occupied Holland, 1944–1945*](https://books.google.com/books?id=_eNGEV_QL64C&pg=PA64). U of Nebraska Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0803296185](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0803296185).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-EuropeinExile_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-EuropeinExile_14-1) Conway, Martin; Gotovitch, José (2001). [*Europe in Exile: European Exile Communities in Britain, 1940–1945*](https://books.google.com/books?id=wBUPbG0kNqIC&q=Princess+Irene+Brigade&pg=PA95). Berghahn Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781571815033](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781571815033).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-WW2_EU_Encyclopedia_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-WW2_EU_Encyclopedia_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-WW2_EU_Encyclopedia_15-2) Zabecki, David T. (1 May 2015). [*World War II in Europe: An Encyclopedia*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Mq_lCAAAQBAJ&q=Princess+Irene+Brigade&pg=PT648). Routledge. p. 615. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781135812423](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781135812423).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Monument Princess Irene Brigade Hedel - Hedel - TracesOfWar.com"](https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/12872/Monument-Princess-Irene-Brigade.htm). *www.tracesofwar.com*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-holland_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-holland_17-1) ["Dutch army strategy and armament in WWII"](http://www.waroverholland.nl/index.php?page=dutch-army-strategy-organisation-and-armament-in-wwii). *War over Holland*. Stichting Kennispunt Mei 1940. Retrieved 15 August 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Onderwater, Tico (December 2016). ["'Onder bescherming der Amerikaansche vloot': Curaçao tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog"](https://marineblad.nl/images/Marineblad/2010-2019/2016/Nr._8/MB_december_20161512.pdf) (PDF). *Marineblad* (in Dutch). Vol. 126, no. 8. pp. 24–28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sloop_19-0)** Visser, Jan (14 December 2004). ["Artillery Instruction Ship Van Kinsbergen"](http://www.netherlandsnavy.nl/Vkinsbergen.htm). *Royal Netherlands Navy Warships of World War II*. Retrieved 15 August 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-arubacura_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-arubacura_20-1) ["Wereldoorlog in de West - Suriname, de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba 1940-1945"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200809111206/https://www.verzetsmuseum.org/museum/nl/tweede-wereldoorlog/koninkrijkdernederlanden/suriname_antillen_aruba). *Verzetsmuseum* (in Dutch). Archived from [the original](https://www.verzetsmuseum.org/museum/nl/tweede-wereldoorlog/koninkrijkdernederlanden/suriname_antillen_aruba) on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Tweede wereldoorlog"](https://www.trisonline.nl/de-tris/tweede-wereldoorlog/). *Troepenmacht in Suriname Online* (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Gibson, Carrie (2014). *Empire's Crossroads: A History of the Caribbean from Columbus to the Present Day*. Grove Press. pp. 258–263. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8021-2431-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8021-2431-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-own_23-0)** ["Our Own Army"](https://www.verzetsmuseum.org/museum/en/tweede-wereldoorlog/kingdomofthenetherlands/surinamatillesaruba/surinamatillesaruba,own_army). *verzetsmuseum.org*. Dutch Resistance Museum. Retrieved 15 August 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [Morison 2001](#CITEREFMorison2001), p. 145

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [Morison 2001](#CITEREFMorison2001), p. 258

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-IAR_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-IAR_26-1) ["The Kingdom of the Netherlands Declares War with Japan"](http://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1941/411208c.html), *Inter-Allied Review*, Inter-Allied Review via Pearl Harbor History Associates Inc. hosted at ibiblio, 1941-12-15, retrieved 2018-12-08

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKeogh196593–94_27-0)** [Keogh 1965](#CITEREFKeogh1965), pp. 93–94.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHoyt200187_28-0)** [Hoyt 2001](#CITEREFHoyt2001), p. 87.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDexter1961810_29-0)** [Dexter 1961](#CITEREFDexter1961), p. 810.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFord1996182_&_204_30-0)** [Ford 1996](#CITEREFFord1996), pp. 182 & 204.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMcKenzie-Smith199566–72_31-0)** [McKenzie-Smith 1995](#CITEREFMcKenzie-Smith1995), pp. 66–72.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDod1966158_32-0)** [Dod 1966](#CITEREFDod1966), p. 158.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Allies in Adversity: Australia and the Dutch in the Pacific War: No. 18 (NEI) Squadron, RAAF"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120309050235/http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/alliesinadversity/australia/nei.asp). Australian War Memorial. Archived from [the original](http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/alliesinadversity/australia/nei.asp) on 9 March 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBarnes200084_34-0)** [Barnes 2000](#CITEREFBarnes2000), pp. 84.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHurst200195,_110_&_118_35-0)** [Hurst 2001](#CITEREFHurst2001), pp. 95, 110 & 118.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERAAF1995105_36-0)** [RAAF 1995](#CITEREFRAAF1995), p. 105.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHurst200129–32_&_57_37-0)** [Hurst 2001](#CITEREFHurst2001), pp. 29–32 & 57.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** ["Allies in Adversity: Australia and the Dutch in the Pacific War: Dutch submarines in Australian waters"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120315012628/http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/alliesinadversity/australia/submarines.asp). Australian War Memorial. Archived from [the original](http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/alliesinadversity/australia/submarines.asp) on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECostello2009335,_379,_420_39-0)** [Costello 2009](#CITEREFCostello2009), pp. 335, 379, 420.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESmith19961–11_40-0)** [Smith 1996](#CITEREFSmith1996), pp. 1–11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESmith1996421_41-0)** [Smith 1996](#CITEREFSmith1996), p. 421.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESmith1996489_42-0)** [Smith 1996](#CITEREFSmith1996), p. 489.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Royal Australian Navy. ["German U-Boat Operations in Australian Waters"](http://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/german-u-boat-operations-australian-waters). *www.navy.gov.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKeogh1965432_44-0)** [Keogh 1965](#CITEREFKeogh1965), p. 432.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStanley199742_45-0)** [Stanley 1997](#CITEREFStanley1997), p. 42.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPauker1962188_46-0)** [Pauker 1962](#CITEREFPauker1962), p. 188.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELong1963507_47-0)** [Long 1963](#CITEREFLong1963), p. 507.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDennis1995115–116_48-0)** [Dennis 1995](#CITEREFDennis1995), pp. 115–116.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEKeogh1965463_49-0)** [Keogh 1965](#CITEREFKeogh1965), p. 463.

## References

- Barnes, Norman (2000). *The RAAF and the Flying Squadrons*. St Leonards, New South Wales: Allen & Unwin. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86508-130-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86508-130-2).

- Chappell, Mike (1996). *Army Commandos 1940–1945*. Elite, No. 64. London: Osprey/Reed Consumer Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-85532-579-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85532-579-9).

- Costello, John (2009) [1981]. *The Pacific War*. Harper Perennial. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-68-801620-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-68-801620-3).

- Dennis, Peter (1995). *The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History*. Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-19-553227-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-19-553227-9).

- Dexter, David (1961). [*The New Guinea Offensives*](https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1070205/). [Australia in the War of 1939–1945](/source/Australia_in_the_War_of_1939%E2%80%931945). Series 1 – Army. Vol. VI. Canberra: Australian War Memorial. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [2028994](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/2028994).

- Dod, Karl C. (1966). *The Corps of Engineers: The War Against Japan*. United States Army in World War II. Washington, DC: Center of Military History. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-016001-879-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-016001-879-4).

- Foot, M. R. D. (2012) [1990]. [*Holland at War Against Hitler: Anglo-Dutch Relations 1940–1945*](https://books.google.com/books?id=_tPFBQAAQBAJ&q=Dutch+personnel+in+Nos.+320+and+321+Squadrons+RAF&pg=PA48). Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-136-29166-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-136-29166-1).

- Ford, Jack (1996). *Allies in a Bind: Australia and the Netherlands East Indies in the Second World War* (2nd ed.). Loganholme, Queensland: Australian Netherlands Ex-Servicemen and Women's Association. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-646-29557-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-646-29557-8).

- Hoyt, Edwin Palmer (2001). [*Warlord: Tojo Against the World*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LpvmcH3Ao9gC&q=93,000+Dutch+troops+and+5,000+American+and+British+soldiers&pg=PA87). Rowman & Littlefield. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8154-1171-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8154-1171-0).

- Hurst, Doug (2001). *The Fourth Ally: The Dutch Forces in Australia in WWII*. Chapman, Australian Capital Territory: D. Hurst. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-9579252-0-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-9579252-0-5).

- [Keogh, Eustace](/source/Eustace_Graham_Keogh) (1965). *The South West Pacific 1941–45*. Melbourne, Victoria: Grayflower Productions. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [7185705](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/7185705).

- Long, Gavin (1963). [*The Final Campaigns*](https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1070206/). Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 1 – Army. Vol. VII. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Australian War Memorial. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1297619](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1297619).

- [McKenzie-Smith, Graham R.](/source/Graham_McKenzie-Smith) (1995). *Australia's Forgotten Army: Defending the Northern Gateways, Northern Territory and Torres Strait 1938 to 1945*. Vol. II. Canberra: Grimwade Publications. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-646-24404-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-646-24404-3).

- [Morison, Samuel Eliot](/source/Samuel_Eliot_Morison) (2001). [*History of United States Naval Operations in World War II: The Battle of the Atlantic, September 1939 – May 1943*](https://books.google.com/books?id=nwvs7TDDXyoC) (illus., repr. ed.). University of Illinois Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-252-06963-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-252-06963-5).

- Pauker, Guy J. (1962). ["The Role of the Military in Indonesia"](https://books.google.com/books?id=JkfWCgAAQBAJ&q=KNIL+troops+Balikpapan+1945&pg=PA188). In Johnson, John Asher (ed.). *The Role of the Military in Underdeveloped Countries*. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. pp. 185–230. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-40087-886-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-40087-886-4). {{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#invalid_isbn_date))

- *Units of the Royal Australian Air Force: Bomber Units*. Vol. III. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. 1995. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-644-42795-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-644-42795-7).

- Smith, Robert Ross (1996). [*The Approach to the Philippines*](http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-Approach/index.html). Washington D.C.: Center of Military History, U.S. Army. [LCCN](/source/LCCN_(identifier)) [53060474](https://lccn.loc.gov/53060474).

- [Stanley, Peter](/source/Peter_Stanley) (1997). *Tarakan: An Australian Tragedy*. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86448-278-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86448-278-8).

## External links

- [Order of Battle, Netherlands Armed Forces](http://www.niehorster.org/016_netherlands/__nl.htm), Leo Niehorster

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v t e Dutch naval ship classes of World War II Battlecruisers Design 1047X Light cruisers Java De RuyterS De Zeven ProvinciënC Flotilla leaders Tromp Destroyers Admiralen Gerard Callenburgh Van GalenB CampbeltownBS Frigates Johan Maurits van NassauBS Corvettes FrisoBS Torpedo boats BouclierFS G K Z Gunboats and sloops Brinio Flores Johan Maurits van NassauS K Van KinsbergenS Former coastal defence ships Gelderland Batterijschip Vliereede Batterijschip IJmuidenS SoerabajaS Submarines O series O 7 O 8 O 9 O 12 O 16S O 19 O 21 K series K V K VIII K XI K XIV Other DolfijnBS ZeehondBS ZwaardvischB Mine warfare vessels Minelayers Hydra Douwe Aukes Pro PatriaS KrakatauS NautilusS RigelS Prins van Oranje Jan van BrakelS Willem van der ZaanS BangkalanS SoemenepS Ram Mijnenlegger IXS Minesweepers M A Jan van Amstel Ardjoeno Smeroe ABC DEFG 105 ft 126 ft Motorminesweeper I Patrol boats AlbatrosS AldebaranS Arend B CX Bellatrix BV 3S EridanusS Enern FomalhautS GemmaS Jean FredericFS MicoS Notre Dame de FranceFS P 1 P 5 P 9 P 17 P 21 Sirius Queen WilhelminaAS Motor torpedo boats S 1 S 3 TM I TM IIIS TM 4 TM 16 TM 22 TM 51S TM 52X MGB 46S Seaplane tenders and submarine tenders AmstelstroomS CastorS ColombiaS MercuurS Merel MulanS Plancius PoolsterS Serdang ZuiderkruisS Research vessels Eilerts de HaanS HydrograafS TydemanS Willebrord SnelliusS Other auxiliary ships BarentszS D 1S OrionS Hoofdinspecteur ZeemanS JanssensS PolluxS SchoutenS Tankboot IS Zwarte ZeeS HasewintS MerakS Moera BoelianS PetaS Other Inspecteur Generaal TwentS Koning der NederlandenS Koningin Emma der Nederlanden Mok IS Noordbrabant Koningin Emma Urania (1928) Urania (1941) A ex-American B ex-British C Completed after the war F ex-French S Single ship of class X Never completed/Cancelled

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Free Dutch forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Dutch_forces) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Dutch_forces?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.