*Note: the pre-ww2 KNIL soldiers who survived the Japanese invasion and were imprisoned in the Birma-Siam railway POW camps consisted of European (Dutch) KNIL soldiers but mostly out of Euro-Indonesian (‘Indische’ – offspring of Dutch and Indonesian parents) and Indonesian KNIL soldiers (like ‘Molukkers’, ‘Ambonezen’, ‘Menadonezen’ or ‘Javanen’/ ‘Soendanezen’ – all pro-Dutch native Indonesians).

*Note: other elite units after the Japanese capitulation of 1945 which were formed into KNIL battalions consisting of the same mostly native ex-POW’s were VI KNIL Battalion “Gagak Itam” (Black Crows) and V KNIL Battalion “Anjing Nica” (Nica Dogs).

The name “Gadja Merah” was selected by its troops: it meant ‘Red Elephant’ (Rode Olifant). This referred to the sturdy Indian elephants which carried the same burden during the soldiers POW camp period. Some of these elephants were also mistreated by the Japanese while carrying heavy materials. The name “Gadja Merah” honors these strong friends which never gave up. The elephants had saved many soldier lives since they took much hard labor for their part. Knowing this, “Gadja Merah” is a very powerful name: it in turn refers to the post-war X KNIL Battalion soldier, who bled at the Birma railway POW camps but still remains strong and steadfast as these elephants.

Embarking upon British ships which set course to the Dutch East-Indies the soldiers of Gadja Merah would start their journey in search of their loved ones. They were all traumatized by the Japanese POW camps and full of hatred of the Japanese people. During the post ww2 years no soldiers anywhere on the world had received treatments for trauma’s – those did not yet exist, and there was simply no time for it. A job had to be done: getting the Dutch East-Indies save again.

Very nice drawing of Bali from the book 'Gadja Merah op Bali en Lombok' (See below)

15 august 1945 the Japanese Empire surrendered. This day all POW’s were set free. In reality they had no other option but to stay in their camps and surrounding villages – the allied powers simply did not have enough manpower to manage the numerous camps all together. This would take quite a while but eventually all POW’s were fed, registered and received medical attention. POW’s were sorted by nationality and directed to their countries or allied command.

On the 19^th of November 1945 in Siam (Thailand) the Bali/Lombok Brigade (B/L-Brigade) was created. The name Bali/Lombok refered to the Dutch East-Indies isles this unit was destined for. The B/L Brigade adopted the name “Gadja Merah” and consisted of KNIL soldiers who survived the POW camps and fought the Japanese before they were imprissoned. The B/L Brigade consisted of 3 Battalions (I, II and III), but a shortage of manpower made these under their requested strength.

Eventually the Brigade would disembark on Bali the 2^nd of March 1946 and on Lombok the 27^th of March 1946. Most forces would be concentrated on Bali. Since the 3 battalions of the B/L Brigade were low on strength all was redirected to the I and II Battalions.

After successfully occupying Bali the III Battalion was resurrected on the 26^th of May 1946. To supplement the shortage pro-Dutch native soldiers were enlisted, some former (POW) KNIL. Many Soembawa and Ambon men were added to the Gadja Merah ranks. Even a 6^th company was created and consisted merely of so called Prajoda’s: native pro-Dutch Balinese of an ancient warrior caste. The Prajoda’s officially were distributed from their own unit: the Korps Prajoda (K.P.). The B/L-Brigade was renamed Bali Lombok Garrison Battalion, and one month later the three subordinate I, II and II Battalions received their final designation: X, XI and XII Battalions “Gadja Merah”.

*Since my grandfather served with the XII Infantry Battalion “Gadja Merah” I will concentrate the information about this lesser known unit. History about the X and XI Battalions are more well known – X and XI would eventually relocate to Sumatra while the XII would stay on Bali until the end of the KNIL.

*To understand abbreviations and unit strength order (1945-1950):

Brig. = Brigade (3 battalions)

Bat. = Battalion (6 companies)

Cie = Company (2 – 5 platoons)

Pel = Platoon (peleton) (2 – 4 sections)

Sie = Section (sectie) (10-20 men)