Air War WW2 Portal

In december 1941 the war started for the Dutch East Indies. The Japanese conquered the East Indies and the army (KNIL), the air force of the KNIL (KNIL/ML) and the Navy (MLD) were forced to escape to Australia. There new squadrons were formed with the personnel that reached Australia. One bomber squadron (no. 18 NEI) and one fighter Squadron (no. 120 NEI) were formed. Later a Transport Squadron (no.1 NEI Transport Squadron) was formed in Australia as well. These units were in fact KNIL/ML components.

The 120 Squadron was a Fighter Squadron equipped with P40N Warhawks. The Squadron was founded at December 10th 1943 at Canberra. It operated as 120 (NEI) Squadron under RAAF Command.

Pilots of the 120 Squadron came from the Jackson Flying School in the USA. When the first pilots became available the 120 Squadron was founded.


SOURCES:
G. Tornij, De Nederlandse Mitchells, 1999
O.G. Ward, De Militaire Luchtvaart van het KNIL in de jaren 1942-1945, 1985
H. Hooftman, Van Glenn Martins en Mustangs, 1967