After all the years of moaning, mithering and complaining, I had to become a photographer while I no longer wanted that at all (...) I had to photograph all the funerals of the dead. I was often present at Kembang Koening, the field of honour.

[Lex de Herder, conscript in Indonesia]

Reconstruction (1945-1955)

Immediately after liberation, the Dutch army was set up again on the British pattern. Materials and uniform were copied and soldiers were trained by British instructors. In the period between 1945 and 1949 the army was set to work in Indonesia. The fighting took the form of guerrilla warfare. Many victims died, both professional and conscripts.
In addition to Indonesia, Europe also quickly attracted attention. The continent divided into two power blocks: Western and Communist. The Netherlands required a large land army for the Cold War. For this reason conscription was maintained. The Americans replaced the British as major ally and source of inspiration as regards uniform and equipment. During the Korean War (1950 1953) many Dutch soldiers fought as volunteers in the Dutch United Nations detachment. The museum possesses many objects belonging to all warring factions, including the characteristic Chinese down jackets.