When the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) fell to Japan in early 1942, the Dutch government-in-exile undertook to restore its military capability. Among the most significant efforts was the formation of the Mariniersbrigade, an amphibious infantry brigade trained in the United States under joint Dutch–American oversight. Though far from the Pacific Read more
In May 1942, the Allied war effort in the Pacific reached a critical turning point. The fall of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) had left Australia exposed, and Japanese forces were advancing toward Port Moresby. In this tense context, a unique and largely forgotten military operation unfolded: Convoy ZK8, an Read more
In early 1942, as Japanese forces overran the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), Dutch authorities faced the urgent task of preserving their financial and sovereign assets. Among the most critical was the colony’s reserve of gold bullion—essential not just for wartime logistics, but for sustaining the legitimacy of the Dutch government-in-exile Read more
On 16 February 1943, at the height of the Second World War, the Dutch government-in-exile formally recognised the bravery of Quartermaster Pieter de Bruin with the Dutch Cross of Merit. The award was presented in Australia by Baron François Cornelis van Aerssen Beijeren van Voshol, the first accredited Dutch envoy Read more
Baron François Cornelis van Aerssen Beijeren van Voshol (2 March 1883 – 31 May 1968) was the first officially accredited Dutch envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Australia, appointed in April 1942 during one of the most complex periods in Dutch–Australian relations. A former naval officer, businessman, and career diplomat, Read more
The diplomatic relationship between the Netherlands and Australia, now strong and longstanding, was shaped significantly by the upheavals of the Second World War. While Dutch honorary consuls had represented Dutch interests in Australia since the mid-19th century, it wasn’t until the pressures of war and shifting global power structures that Read more
During the Second World War, the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) led to the internment of tens of thousands of Dutch civilians. Among them were Catharinus Lawant, his wife Maria, and their daughter Martina. Their story—documented through personal sketches and migration records—offers a window into a Read more
Charles Olke van der Plas (1891–1977) was a senior Dutch colonial administrator from Buitenzorg (now Bogor), Java. His longstanding service in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) and his deep knowledge of local society—including fluency in Arabic and Malay and a strong understanding of Islam—marked him as an expert in indigenous Read more
Hubertus Johannes van Mook (1894–1965) was one of the most significant and controversial Dutch administrators of the Second World War and its aftermath. Born in Semarang, Java, Van Mook was part of the Indo-European community of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), whose families had lived in the archipelago for generations. Read more
This series is a tribute to Dr. Jack Ford who passed away in June 2025 Symposium: Allied co-operation in Brisbane during WWII: Australia, USA, Netherlands, UK – 30–31 August 2025 at UQ- Bus Tour Brisbane WWII sites – 1 September More info. This article series explores the evolving relationship between Read more