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Originally Posted by GerritJ9
Yes, we did have Do-24s in the NEI, but the MLD-KNIL never existed. The NEI Army was the KNIL (Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indisch Leger, or Royal Netherlands Indies Army) and its air arm was originally known as the LA (Luchtvaart Afdeling or Air Department), being renamed ML (Militaire Luchtvaart or Military Aviation) or to give its full title ML-KNIL. The ML, together with the rest of the KNIL, was disbanded in 1950 after Indonesia became independent.
The MLD (Marine Luchtvaart Dienst, or Naval Air Service) operated the Do-24s (as well as PBY-5s), and was a totally separate service, being part of the Royal Netherlands Navy  The MLD still exists but no longer operates fixed-wing aircraft (let alone flying boats), the last of its Orions being sold off a few years ago. Nowadays the service only operates helicopters. |
Oops, I transposed my initialisms. I
meant MLD but mixed it in with ML-KNIL.
I suppose thats what happens when you go from memory.
Thanks for correcting.
I must admit that I find the whole DEI campaign fascinating, maybe because as a complete study it is somewhat less covered than other campaigns (ie fall of Malaya, Singapore etc), at least here in Australia anyway. I've just finished reading about the evacuation to Broome and subsequent Japanese attack. Quite interesting stuff.