Osprey publishing - The Dutch-Indonesian War 1945 -1949 (boek) [ENGLISH]

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The Dutch-Indonesian War 1945 -1949
Armies of the Indonesian war of Independence

Highly detailed and colorful, this account illustrates the struggle of Indonesian forces in their War of Independence against the Netherlands, following the surrender of occupying Japanese forces in 1945.
Following on from book no. MAA 521 "Royal Netherlands East Indies Army 1936–42" and completing the coverage of the post-World War II wars of decolonization, The Dutch–Indonesian War 1945–49 describes the Japanese surrender in September 1945 which left a power vacuum in the colonial Dutch East Indies (Indonesia). Using vivid color illustrations and rare photos, this title depicts the various forces involved in the struggle for Indonesia: the British Indian Army troops sent to key areas to disarm Japanese garrisons, the Indonesian nationalists who immediately proclaimed an independent Republic, remaining Japanese troops, and the Dutch forces which arrived in 1946.

The wide dispersion of populations, and their ethnic, religious and political differences ensured that the struggle which followed was complex. Fragmented bands of nationalist permuda insurgents were slowly brought together under command of a republican army (the BKR, later TKR, and finally the TNI, complete with naval and air elements), but stubborn negotiations alternated with bouts of major fighting.
This book details how the nationalists were defeated by Dutch and Dutch-led local forces in urban areas (e.g. during Operations Product and Crow, 1947 and 1948), but how their guerrillas evaded Dutch troops in the jungle hills and swamps. Illustrating a wide range of uniforms, insignia, personal weapons and equipment, this study highlights the troops and armor involved in the conflict.
Who doesn't know the Osprey Publications and their many different series of topics. Absolutely everything can be found in the standard publications from Roman legions to contemporary tanks and everything in between. They are characterized by the unambiguous same format and the limitation in the number of pages. Because of this set-up, you can go into reasonable depth per specific topic because a subsequent publication will cover the next topic, as with this topic – "Royal Netherlands East Indies Army 1936–42" and "The Netherlands East Indies Campaign 1941–42 Japan's Quest for Oil" In addition to these specifically aligned series, they publish specific books that have a larger number of pages. I am a big fan of Osprey and have many books on the shelf to use in my model building. Definitely worth a look at their website!

What strikes me about this edition is the title "Armies of the Indonesian War of Independence" where the starting point is the Indonesian side. Given the fraughtness of the subject in the Netherlands, I can imagine the choice, but perhaps it has nothing to do with it. For me, the book is about a piece of history with an account and the uniforms used, hence the publication in the series Men at Arms.

The book covers in more or less chronological order the events from 1945 to 1949 on both sides. The surrender of Japan, in which 2 days later the independent republic of Indonesia was proclaimed, the English who fought with their troops and were still fighting in that period. The arrival of the Dutch troops in 1946 with everything that went with it and also the Indonesian side from that period until 1949. Many, according to the publisher, still unknown photos supplemented with maps of situations and the so-called order of battle of the participants form the content of the book. While writing two episodes of Dutch Profile about the DC-3 Dakota, I found it very interesting to read, say, more about the "ground part" of the conflict. The two Police actions are also discussed and briefly attention is on the air components.
I have read this edition with great interest and enthusiasm, and I am actually curious about the other publications on this subject of Dr. Lohnstein.

Conclusion
An edition by Osprey that offers clear insight into the mentioned period of the conflict, even if the title suggests otherwise from both sides. Executed with photos, maps and drawings of the uniforms (by Adam Hook). Especially the latter will certainly be interesting for modelers even though no model building colors are given, but yes what are exact colors in that period. If you do not want to wade through thick books but still are interested in this part of Dutch history, but also Indonesian history, then this edition is definitely worth it like so many of the Osprey publications! The price of about euro 15.00 is certainly realistic.
MARC LOHNSTEIN holds an MA in History, and his main areas of interests are the equipment, uniforms and tactics of the army and police organization in the former Dutch colonies in Indonesia and Surinam. He has published several studies on these subjects and various titles for Osprey including CAM 364: The Netherlands East Indies Campaign 1941–42: Japan's Quest for Oil and MAA 521: Royal Netherlands East Indies Army 1936–42. He works as assistant curator at the Royal Home for Retired Military Personnel & Museum Bronbeek at Arnhem in the Netherlands.

Thanks to Osprey Publications/Molly(!) for providing the review copy!

Reviewer :  Fred Bachofner

This article was published October 2023 by M. de Vreeze, IPMS NL webmaster (c) Copyright IPMS Nederland