NAM.2007-03-4-1

Photograph: Allied Landings on Bali. Early on the morning of March 2nd, the first Allied force landed on Bali at DENPASA, SOUTH BALI. Preceded by a British Military Mission some eight days prior to the landings, the operation was carried out smoothly as arrangements has been made for the reception of the force. The formation taking part was the newly-trained KNIL FORCE - Royal Netherlands Indies Army Forces - of Light Infantry Battalions of ex-POW Ambonese and Dutch. They were transported by LCTs and a troopship and met on a beach by a force moved inland to DEPASA, in Jap-supplied trucks, where guard points were set up simultaneously with an HW at the BALI HOTEL. The reception from the population was friendly but restrained. It is very early to know their real attitude, however, and the presence of red and white flags and slogans is reminiscent of the early JAVA days. The C.O of the Dutch Force, COL> TER MEULEN was accompanied by CRA 5TH INDIAN DIV., BRIG. BOURNE, OBE, in and observer capacity. SE 6944 THE LCIs, each carrying 52 men, head for the stretch of beach selected for the landing. Many troops were transported in a troopship from which they were ferried by the LCIs. PICTURE BY THE ARMY FILM UNIT. PLEASE CREDIT. ISSUED MARCH 46. SE 6944 Army Film and Photo Section SEAC. DOPE SHEET SE 6944-69 [illegible] Mar. 46. One of four British Official Photographs, March 1946. Mounted on card with original associated typescript captions. Covers the Dutch landings on the island of Bali, supported by the British. Associated with Indonesia (1945-1946).

Indonesia (1945-1946)