There are no major changes from Kirk's original plans, some newer equipment is added and some blank areas filled in, in regards to equipment.
Netherlands Home Forces
I Corps, HQ Amsterdam
I Division
V Res. Division
1e Royal Guard Fusilier Regiment
II Corps, HQ Groningen
II Division
IV Division
I Res. Division
III Corps, HQ Arnhem
V Division
VI Division
II Res. Division
VI Res. Division
III Tank Brigade
4e Royal Guard Fusilier Regiment
IV Corps, HQ Eindhoven
VII Division
XI Division
IV Res. Division
II Tank Brigade
5e Royal Guard Fusilier Regiment
2e Royal Guard Dragoon Regiment
V Corps, HQ Zwolle
VIII Division
III Res. Division
3e Royal Guard Fusilier Regiment
Mobile Corps, HQ Utrecht
III Division
IX Division (Breda)
I Tank Brigade (Utrecht)
Commando Hague, HQ The Hague
2e Royal Guard Fusilier Regiment
1e Royal Guard Dragoon Regiment
Commando Marine, HQ Lelystad
3e Marine Brigade
Netherlands East Indies – Commando Nederlands-Indisch, HQ Batavia, Java
XI Corps, HQ Batavia, Java
X Division
VII Res. Division
IV Tank Brigade
X Tank Battalion (Soerabaja)
1e Marine Brigade
3e Royal Guard Dragoon Regiment
XII Corps, HQ Palembang, Sumatra
XIV Division
Perakan Division
V Tank Brigade
IX Tank Battalion (Dongalla)
4e Royal Guard Dragoon Regiment
Ten Perakan Artillery Battalions
XIII Corps, HQ Pontianak, Borneo
XV Division
XI Tank Battalion (Balikpapan)
XIV Corps, HQ Merauke, Nieuw Guinea
XII Division
Commando Molucca, HQ Malili
Molucca Division (Ambon)
2e Marine Brigade
Other NEI Area Forces
31 Independent Provincial Regiments
80 Base Garrison Battalions
23 Independent Engineer Battalions
Commando Afrika, HQ Bangui, Grand Duchy of Ubangi-Shari
1e Cavalry Regiment
6e Royal Guard Dragoon Regiment
XII Tank Battalion
Six Independent Provincial Battalions
[b]Commando Kongo, HQ Kaminia, Kingdom of Kongo
5e Royal Guard Dragoon Regiment
One Engineer Battalion
Army of the Kongo, HQ Kaminina
1e Brigade
2e Brigade
3e Brigade
4e Brigade
5e Brigade
Capital Guard – Three Fusilier companies
Suriname Commando, HQ Paramaribo
6e Royal Guard Fusilier Regiment
143 Inf. Regiment
157 Inf. Regiment
XIV Tank Battalion
Seven Independent Provincial Battalions
Commando Yemen, HQ Sanaa
274 Inf. Regiment
Two Engineer Battalions
Commando Arabia, HQ Dhahran
84 Inf. Regiment
XIII Tank Battalion
Two Engineer Battalions
I have expanded the number of companies of 16 armoured cars (four platoons of 4 cars) replacing the mounted reconnaissance units and tankette reconnaissance units attached to many regiments.
At the end of 1945 there should be:
23 companies in the Netherlands, 23 companies in DEI, 5 companies in Suriname and 1 company in Ubangi-Shari
The Belgo-Dutch Mobile Corps remains unchanged except self-propelled AA guns and assault guns will be added to fully mechanise these units. Nearly all Dutch units can assumed to be 'motorised' with access to trucks etc., but the ones assigned to the Mobile Corps will be fully mechanised, although APCs are not yet in use, although such equipment exists for units in the DEI (see below).
The tank doctrine will be less heavily-armoured than Kirk's Great War-esque doctrine of super-heavy tanks. In home units each Regiment will have two companies of heavies and two of mediums. Overseas that ratio will drop to two-three mediums and only one heavy. Lighter tanks are especially valued for mobility in the DEI, Africa and Suriname, where tank opposition is much lighter and does not require huge tanks.
Tanks
[Here is the new medium tank to replace the old Lt-33 fleet. Thanks to Brock for the specs and for his advice on the turret used.]
CKD LT vz. 42/45
The LT vz. 42 tank was designed in Czechoslovakia between 1939 and 1942 as the successor to the LT vz. 38 light tank and the ST vz. 39 medium tank. In April 1943, the Irish Army ordered thirty-six regular tanks and two training tanks to replace worn out Crusader cruisers, and further orders from Switzerland, Romania, and Yugoslavia followed. In 1945, a modified version was sold to the Netherlands, equipped with a French-designed oscillating turret (similar to the one used on the Char-6D), which in turn mounted the Cockerill 75mm/L54 anti-tank gun from Belgium.
Length: 6.13m (hull)
Width: 3.2m
Height: 2.755m
Weight: 24 tonnes
Engine: Two Tatra V910 V-12 diesels, 207hp each (max)
Speed: 55kph (road)
Range: 250km (road)
Transmission: Manual
Suspension: Torsion spring pendant arms
Power to Weight Ratio: 17.25 hp / tonne
Armament: 1x 75mm L/54 Cockerill and co-axial 7.92mm FN-Browning, 1x 13.2mm FN-Browning (pintle mounted)
Protection: Turret face: 40mm; Glacis: 25mm-45mm (sloped); Sides: 25mm
Crew: 4
[Here is my rendition of Kirk's stillborn T-44-100, it is a T-44 clone, actually much the same size and armour and firepower as the latter T-41s Kirk built, but much lighter. This actually has decent mobility and speed beyond crawling over mud and craters]
T-44
Design work on the T-44 began as the T-44-100 during mid-1943 as a replacement for the T-41 series. The hull was based on the T-41 hull but without the spaced armour used previously and a new sloped front glacis was incorporated. A new torsion bar suspension with five road wheels and no return rollers. A new cast turret was also designed; plans to fit a 100mm gun were soon dropped however. A prototype undertook mechanical trials during late 1944 but it was not until mid-1945 that the planned engine was ready and a series of ten prototypes were produced. An order for 210 was placed in September 1944 and deliveries began during 1946.
Dimensions: 6.1 (7.7m over gun) x 3.49 x 3.0m
Weight: 35.7 tonnes
Engine: 600hp DAF V-12 diesel, 8-speed transmission, torsion bar suspension
Speed: 43 km/h (26 mph)
Range: 350 km (220 miles)
Armament: 1x 90mm L/60 Cockerill (82 rounds) and co-axial 13.2mm FN-Browning in turret, 1x 13.2mm FN-Browning in hull front and 1x 13.2mm FN-Browning atop turret (2,000 rpg)
Armour: 180/150-90/45/30mm (turret), 120/90-40/40/30/24mm (hull), 25mm armour skirts
Crew: 5
[Needing more 75mm assault guns (several had been purchased from Italy years ago), I've taken Kirk's cancelled T-41D production line and rehulled them as assault SPGs]
GG-44(Gemechaniseerd geschut 44)
The need for additional self-propelled guns to mechanise the Armoured Brigade’s artillery was partially met by adapting 30 unfinished T-41D hulls. These had been cancelled but components existed and some had begun assembly. The turret was removed and replaced by an enlarged upper hull modelled on those of German Sturmgeshutz designs. All were quickly modified and all were completed by the beginning of 1945. Plans to build additional new-build vehicles were cancelled.
Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.49 x 2.3m
Weight: 45.1 tonnes
Engine: 510hp Skoda V-12 diesel
Speed: 33 km/h (20 mph)
Range: 245 km (152 miles)
Armament: 1x 75mm L/21 FRC (80 rounds) in hull, 1x 13.2mm FN-Browning in hull front and 1x 13.2mm FN-Browning atop turret (2,000 rpg)
Armour: 120/81-35/40/30/24mm (hull), 25mm armour skirts
Crew: 5
[The optimum SPG, thanks to Brock for the specs]
GG-45 (Gemechaniseerd geschut 45)
The GG45 is built on the chassis of the versatile Czech LT vz.38 light tank. The hull features a roomy casemate atop the hull which houses a 105mm/L20 howitzer, designed for use as an infantry support gun. 100 were delivered by CKD during 1945.
Length: 5.05m (hull)
Width: 2.14m
Height: 2.29m
Weight: 12.4 tonnes
Engine: One 180hp Tatra V910 V-12 diesel
Speed: 45kph (road), 15kph (offroad)
Range: 250km (road), 100 km (cross-country) with 220L fuel
Transmission: Manual
Suspension: Leaf Spring
Armament: 1x 105mm/L20 howitzer
Protection: Glacis/casemate: 25mm-45mm (sloped); Sides: 25mm; Top: 10mm; Floor: 8mm; Rear: 15mm
Crew: 4
[A new strand in my doctrine is the replacement of towed AT guns in the armoured units with powerful tank hunters, much more economical than the creeping T-41 series of tanks. This is a bespoke design requested by me and drawn up by Brock.]
TJ-45 (Tankjager 45)
The Tankjager 45 is based on the Czech vz.42 hull, chassis, and running gear, but carries a Cockerill 90mm/L50 gun in a casemate. 200 were built by CKD.
Length: 6.13m (hull)
Width: 3.2m
Height: 2.6m
Weight: 22 tonnes
Engine: Two Tatra V910 V-12 diesels, 207hp each (max)
Speed: 55kph (road)
Range: 250km (road)
Transmission: Manual
Suspension: Torsion spring pendant arms
Power to Weight Ratio: 18.8 hp / tonne Armament: 1x 90mm/L50 Cockerill, 1x 13.2mm FN-Browning heavy machine gun (pintle mounted)
Protection: Glacis: 35mm-60mm (sloped); Sides: 25mm
Crew: 4
Armoured Cars
Skoda PA-IV
Armoured car, 360 built 1928-1933. I've backdated a modernisation programme to boost numbers and keep these operational.
From 1938, 215 were rebuilt as the PA-IVM with a new 95hp DAF 6-cylinder diesel engine, new wheels, improved suspension, new radio and a new turret armed with twin 13.2mm FN-Browning MGs.
[Wanting a new light armoured car, I hunted around for some likely candidates, spotting a real world Humbafox made up in the DEI from Canadian GM Fox hulls and Humber Mk. IV turrets at the end of the war for the DEI, I've cloned that to create a new home-grown armoured car.]
DAF M44 Pantserwagen
In 1941 Army officials were impressed by the British Daimler Armoured Car which they witnessed during exercises in Malaya. DAF began working on a similar design using elements of the Trado truck suspension system. A purpose-built assembly line was built at the Batavia Arsenal and the chassis was built locally by DAF Batavia, the armoured bodies and turrets imported from the Netherlands. The type was chosen to replace the Skoda PA-IV in DEI units and 260 were ordered during 1942, production lasting well into 1946. 100 of the order were supplied to units elsewhere in the colonial provinces.
Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.3 x 2.39 m
Weight: 8 tons
Engine: 95hp DAF 6-cyl diesel, 4x4 wheel drive
Speed: 71 km/h (44 mph)
Operational range: 320 km (200 miles)
Armament: 1x 37mm L/34 Bofors (55 rounds) and co-axial 7.92mm FN-Browning (2,800 rounds)
Armour: 15-10mm
Crew: 4
[A real-world design, unchanged specs]
DAF M39 Pantserwagen
From 1935 the DAF company designed several armoured fighting vehicles based on its innovative Trado truck suspension system. The Trado III consisted of a leaf-springed bogie with two actuated road wheels that could be easily attached to, driven by and rotate on the back axis of any commercial truck, thus adding a "walking beam" to the vehicle that significantly improved its cross-country performance. The Trado III suspension could be fitted with a track on the lines of the Kégresse track, changing a vehicle into a half-track. From 1937 the Dutch Army encouraged DAF to develop this type into the Pantrado 3, a design more closely meeting army specifications for a reconnaissance vehicle. A prototype was built and in early 1939 fifty vehicles were ordered. The DAF M39 was a modern design with an all-welded monocoque construction of the hull and extensive use of sloped armour. The type was lightly armoured and relatively fast, with a good cross-country capability.
Dimensions: 4.75 x 2.08 x 2.16 m
Weight: 6,000 kg
Engine: 95hp Ford Mercury V-8 petrol with 4x6 drive, leaf and helical spring suspension
Power/weight ratio: 16.4
Speed: 75 km/h (47 mph)
Operational range: 200 km
Armament: 1x 37mm L/34 Bofors and co-axial 7.92mm FN-Browning in turret; 1x 7.92mm FN-Browning in hull front and 1x 7.92mm FN-Browning in rear hull
Armour: 10-5mm
Crew: 5
[Again a real-world design, never-built, I've added a little fuel as the Germans did later to the M39s. The half-track is doable and suited to DEI needs]
DAF M40 Pantserwagen
This is an improved M39 with a further improved Trado III suspension system with drive to all six wheels for further improved cross-country performance and a large 100L fuel tank. A prototype was built in 1940 and very soon 150 were ordered which were delivered during 1941-43. During 1943 DAF Batavia built 40 with a Kégresse track fitted to create a half-track as the M40t.
Dimensions: 4.75 x 2.08 x 2.16 m
Weight: 6,200 kg
Engine: 112hp Ford Mercury V-8 petrol with 6x6 drive, leaf and helical spring suspension
Speed: 75 km/h (47 mph)
Operational range: 300 km
Armament: 1x 37mm L/34 Bofors and co-axial 7.92mm FN-Browning in turret; 1x 7.92mm FN-Browning in hull front and 1x 7.92mm FN-Browning in rear hull
Armour: 10-5mm
Crew: 5
[A real-world plan existed tor restart M40 production post-1945, but nothing came of this, a 57mm gun was mooted. Here I've removed the rear driver and fitted the 57mm semi-auto based on the AA gun in Army and Navy use]
DAF M45 Pantserwagen
This is a development of the DAF M40 with a new turret armed with a 57mm gun and thicker armour. The rear driver/ gunner position was removed. A prototype was produced in late-1944 and production began at the end of 1945. 240 production vehicles were produced until 1948.
Dimensions: 5.18 x 2.2 x 2.26 m
Weight: 7,850 kg
Engine: 185hp Minerva D-180S V-8 diesel with 6x6 drive, leaf and helical spring suspension
Speed: 75 km/h (47 mph)
Operational range: 380 km
Armament: 1x 57mm L/70 FN-Madsen and co-axial 13.2mm FN-Browning in turret; 1x 7.92mm FN-Browning in hull front
Armour: 25-10mm
Crew: 4
[Real-world conversions for DEI use, here they are more widely built and I've added a later fictional DAF 6x6 Trado based version]
Overvalwagen
These open-topped personnel carriers were locally-produced in the DEI. Conversions like these were used by the Stadswachten (city guards) and were called Overvalwagens (assault vehicles). The first were built by the Braat company in Soerabaja on 4x2 truck chassis. These had angled armour plating (10-5mm thick) over the hull and were armed with a 7.92mm MG in the front hull and four-six rifle ports in the rear hull; some were fitted with a raised armoured shelter roof. Some had a cut-down rear hull and a pintle-mounted 7.92mm FN-Browning added. 10-12 troops could be carried. Around 120 were built and another 72 were mobile AA vehicles with a 20mm FN-Madsen in the rear hull.
From 1943 DAF-Batavia produced another 90 using the 6x6 Trado III truck chassis as used by the M40 armoured car.
Vehicles
All these are real-world designs and I've included them here to fill some gaps. Most are imports but some home-stuff is also here.
AA-36
A light self-propelled AA gun based on the 1935 Opel P4 delivery van (Lieferwagen) chassis. This vehicle had no cab and the folding rear boards increased the platform area. The AA gun was a 13.2mm FN-Browning HMG. Around 240 were built for units overseas.
Artillery Tractors
Vickers Utility Tractor
Used for towing antitank guns, in October 1939, the Netherlands ordered 80 from the Familleureux-factory in Belgium for use in the DEI. Another 72 were purchased for the Marines in 1941.
Bandung Arsenal M39
A 30-cwt 4x4 truck with an 80hp 6-cyl engine. Around 280 were deviliered to DEI units for towing anti-tank guns, light artillery and all types of AA guns.
Motorcycles
BMW R35
Delivered during the late 1930s.
BSA
Delivered during the early 1940s for dispatch riders.
Norton Motorcycle-Sidecar
Used for reconnaissance and by dispatch riders with the artillery battalions. Some fitted for mounts for 7.92mm Browning MGs.
Staff and Command Cars
Chevrolet M28
Based on Chevrolet vans and built during the late 1920s. These vehicles were used for Staff/command duties and as a signal corps/radio truck.
Light Artillery Staff Car
Based on the Opel P4 passenger car chassis. The Opels' front wheel suspension was sufficient to allow driving on certain rougher terrain types, but was not an all-terrain vehicle.
Chevrolet M38
Normal Chevrolet cars used for very senior officers, equipped with folding canvas roofs. Some later vehicles had 4x4 drive.
Commandowagen
Based on an imported Ford/Marmon-Herrington 4x4 chassis. Used by motorised artillery batteries. They had front bumper rollers to avoid grounding over rough ground and a winch at the rear to tow guns and other vehicles in emergencies. A driver and eight gun-crew could be carried. 500 were delivered during 1939-42.
Trucks
Chevrolet M33 & M38 & M39
Standard Chevrolet 1.5 ton 4x2 GS trucks built at General Motors factory at Batavia. The M39 is a lighter version of the M38 with single rear wheels, a short wooden body and a cab without doors. All were also delivered in tanker and ambulance versions. Around 2,400 of all variants were produced up to 1943.
Chevrolet M40
A 1.5 ton 4x2 COE (cab over engine or forward control) truck. Around 1,900 were built up to 1944.
DAF M39
A 1.5 tons 4x4 truck based on a commercial chassis. Built from 1939 with a variety of general service, radio, ambulance and tanker bodies until 1945. Around 7,900 of all types built.
DAF Trado
These 4x6 and 6x6 trucks using the Trado suspension system were widely built with a variety of bodies. The artillery and the air-defence units were equipped with a ten-wheel version 9both rear axles double wheeled) for towing guns and searchlights. Other versions that were produced were designated for the engineer and pontoon-units, command staffs and some anti-tank gun units. All trucks were fitted with cellastic acrylic polymer bullet-proof tires. Around 10,500 were built between 1935-1946, including production by DAF-Batavia.
Brossels TAL
Bandung Arsenal M41
A 6x4 truck used as a general purpose type and also built for the engineers and further versions were used as artillery tractors.