Allies in adversity, Australia and the Dutch in the Pacific War: NEFIS

The Netherlands Forces Intelligence Service (NEFIS) was established in Melbourne soon after the fall of the NEI. Intended to provide the Allies with up-to-date intelligence on what was happening in the occupied territories, it developed into a complex organisation encompassing all types of intelligence gathering and distribution. It was eventually separated into seven subsections as follows:

1. Collecting Agency (CA)
2. Counter Intelligence (CI)
3. Secret Intelligence and Special Operations (SI&SO)
4. Military Intelligence (MI)
5. Civil Affairs Intelligence (CAI)
6. Photo Reproduction Section (PRS)
7. Military Oil and Intelligence Department (MOID)

Some duplication of effort between the subsections was inevitable, but this was avoided as far as possible. An eighth section, dealing with propaganda, developed into such a large entity that it was hived off from NEFIS, becoming the Far Eastern Liaison Office (FELO).

The service is best remembered for its insertion of reconnaissance patrols into the NEI, a task undertaken by NEFIS III. These operations were at best dangerous, and at worst suicidal. The series of landing parties on Java known as “Tiger I–VI” were captured and executed almost to a man. Similar fates befell the “Walnut” ( Aroe Islands ) and “Whiting” (Dutch New Guinea) groups, and in all, nearly 40 lives were lost.

However, some successful operations were undertaken. In general, however, they tended to be those involving groups already cut off behind enemy lines, reasonably well armed and acting as guerrillas. The “Oaktree” party, in particular, based in the remote country of central Dutch New Guinea, and under the command of the redoubtable Captain J.V. de Bruijn, remained a thorn in the side of the Japanese for more than two years between 1942 and 1944. This group was able to supply valuable intelligence, tie down a superior enemy force, and maintain the prestige of the Dutch among the inhabitants of the area. Sadly, it was the exception rather than the rule.

Late in the war, NEFIS groups took a different approach, increasing both the numbers and the firepower of the landing parties. This meant that, while not equipped to fight pitched battles, groups could at least face Japanese patrols with confidence and command respect from the local populace.

In general, despite the spectacular nature of some NEFIS missions, the organisation’s most valuable contribution was probably its unglamorous cartographic work, its sifting of information, and its interrogation of refugees in Australia. NEFIS grew from 50 to over 350 personnel during the years 1942–45, and served as a constant drain upon the very limited numbers of men available for service with the KNIL.

• Japanese conquest
• Prisoners of the Japanese
• A seafaring nation
• The Dutch in Australia
  • Activities in Australia
  • The NEI government-in-exile
  • Dutch submarines in Australian waters
  • The Abraham Crijnssen
  • The loss of the Armidale
  • No. 18 (NEI) Squadron, RAAF
  • ‘Smokey’ Dawson
  • Australian-made Dutch uniform
  • NEFIS
  • Australia’s OBOE Operations