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.

Beside these KNIL/ML units there were several Navy (MLD) units active during the war against the Japanese Invaders. Most of the MLD-personnel went to the UK to the MLD squadrons. Some went to the the KNIL/ML units and others went to the USA to become instructors in the Jackson Flying School. Airplanes of the MLD were nearly all destroyed in the war against the Japanese invaders. Only 9 Catalina PBY5's were left, 4 at Ceylon and 5 in Australia. The Australian Cats were sent to Ceylon to form a new 321 (RAF) Squadron. For the history of 321 Squadron see: Dutch AF/Navy entries on this website.

On these pages you'll find information on the squadrons that were active in the Far East.

Never Forget:
The Dutch were the first to declare war against Japan, even before the USA and the United Kingdom!!

Dutch P40's at Biak