Japanese uniform made in the Dutch East-Indies?

[Sparviero]

Dear all,

Currently in my possesion is a uniform (tunic and trousers). It is made from the typical fabric “Garoet” from the Dutch East-Indies.
The design of the tunic is however not Dutch, neither is it altered (except the length of the sleeves).
Looking at pictures it seems to me a Japanese design.
My thought is maybe production for the Japanese forces in the Colony, production for the Prisoner Camps or for the Indonesian forces working for the Japanese.

Does one of you encountered such an uniform before and knows who used it?

Thank you for your time.

[Sparviero]

Anyone an idea?

[zachb]

That is an interesting theory. I have only seen pictures of KNIL uniforms, so a side-by-side comparison of the fabric would be the only way to determine in my opinion. Again I am not an expert on KNIL uniforms but the cotton fabric of this tunic looks thicker than that used for KNIL uniforms. The Japanese made tunics in all manner of colors from light khaki to various shades of green.

Does the tunic have any markings on the inside?

[Sparviero]

Dear zachb,

I have several KNIL items including uniforms. I can confirm the fabric is the most often encountered "Garoet B" produced in the Dutch East-Indies for the KNIL.

The cut of the uniform is however not KNIL, but looks Japanese to me.
Therefore my theory as I mentioned in my opening post.

So in your opinion, is the cut Japanese?
If so, to whom can it have been issued.

Greetings,

Edit: it has no marking.

[zachb]

It is not typical to see Japanese tunics with exterior pockets (except the flaps) for Army uniforms, however, early Navy landing forces tunics did have exterior pockets. The tunic looks like it could be Japanese, as many variations exist, but I could not say for sure. I do not know if any Indonesian collaborators were outfitted by the Japanese with any type of uniform?

Does the tunic have the belt holder loop on the left side, what does the back look like? Does the interior have a small square area that looks like it might have had a label?

I have always wanted to collect KNIL items but I never see them for sale anywhere, do you know any good sources for this type of material?

[Sparviero]

Dear zachb,

Regarding you questions:

Does the tunic have the belt holder loop on the left side? -> No
What does the back look like? -> I will make a clear picture in the weekend
Does the interior have a small square area that looks like it might have had a label? -> Yes, but this white label is cut away.

KNIL uniforms and attributes are not easy to collect. A lot of the items are donated to musea. Most often found items are the US produced items as the Milsco Klewang and helmet. If you find items it is likely on Dutch fairs.

Greetings,

[zachb]

I will look forward to seeing more pictures. The tunic does have some elements (e.g., pleated pockets) that seem like Japanese Navy but then some elements that seem Army, e.g., buttons, collar. Its still hard to say. Here are some IJN uniforms to compare:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...t=navy+uniform

Maybe additional pictures can reveal more.

[Steve Sherlock]

WTF is KNIL? For those of us who are here to learn, it would be nice if the experts defined their operatives.

Steve

[Sparviero]

Dear Steve,

No need to "WTF"
K.N.I.L. = Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indisch Leger
Which is in English: Royal Netherlands East Indies Army

Greetings,

[Walter Schmidt]

If it is Japanese it might be Gunzoku of some sort, I remember seeing it somewhere in the Nakata book.