Vehicles of Royal Netherlands Forces in Australia

[Hanno Spoelstra]

After the fall of the Netherlands East Indies, large numbers of Dutch military personnel escaped to Australia where they were reorganised into a fighting units under the denominator Royal Netherlands Forces (R.N.F.).

Four joint Dutch-Australian squadrons – Nos. 18, 19, 119 and 120 Squadrons – were formed within the Royal Australian Air Force during this time. Several Dutch naval vessels, including the light cruiser HNLMS Tromp, and several submarines, also escaped to Australia and operated throughout the war.

This thread is a placeholder for pictures of RNF vehicles. So if you have anything to add, please do so here

[Hanno Spoelstra]

The RNF troops needed all kinds of services, including dental care. For this, GM Holden built this Chevrolet C15A van plus rather posh looking trailer.

"N.E.I. Army Dental Services truck. Views of vehicle from side angle, with trailer attached. Signage on trailer reads: N.E.I. Army Dental Service, with cross emblem on trailer. License plate reads: RNF MED1."


Source: https://viewer.slv.vic.gov.au/?entit...&mode=overview

PS: we have seen these pictures on here before, but somehow I cannot find them again

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Here is a rare survivor found by Lang Kidby some years back: a Dodge WC-51 with original markings consisting of a red-white-blue flag and "RNF A1382". See Dutch Truck Identification for more info.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Autocar U4144T, Truck, 2 1/2-ton, 4x4 Tractor with registration RNF-35.
It is towing an Army Air Corps 2000-gal. fuel-servicing semi trailer with registration RNF-37.
Seen here fueling a B25 bomber of 18 Sqn NEI-RAAF. Location and date unknown to me.


Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/400112376713418

[Alex van de Wetering]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Autocar U4144T, Truck, 2 1/2-ton, 4x4 Tractor with registration RNF-35.

I could be mixing up a few COE's....but I think one of these rare trucks was recently restored in Belgium. I have seen it at Tanks in Town last year, but the security guard wouldn't let me get any closer to the truck.