KNIL

The Royal Dutch Indonesian Army (KNIL) (1825-1949)

After the Napoleonic era, the Dutch army fought mainly in the East Indies. Java was subjected during the first Java War (1825-1830). Subsequently the KNIL was repeatedly called on to put down rebels or to undertake expeditions designed to mete out punishment. To a certain extent, this is the situation that prevailed with the exception of the Japanese occupation (1941 1945) until Indonesian independence was achieved in 1949. Cultural differences made the fighting in Indonesia particularly bitter. Cruelties on both sides were no exception.

The KNIL troops consisted of both Dutch soldiers and other Europeans; use was also made of Indonesian auxiliaries. The KNIL officers in particular included many professional soldiers who used the adventurous circumstances in the Orient to build a career and to distinguish themselves. Some swords of honour in the museums collection call this to mind. These are sabres presented to officers, already holding the Militaire Willems Orde, who distinguished themselves yet again.