Hi Guys,
first let me explain, I am not pointing fingers at any side, Dutch, Indonesian British nor even Japanese during that period (1946). I bear no ill will toward those that served, if they did so honourably, and even then it is all in the past, it is done. There are lessons to be learned by all, let's hope we can remember those lessons. Every serviceman or woman has a tale to tell, listen to them, you don't have to like it nor agree with their actions we should not sit back and judge them - that would smack of arrogance.
I was merely sharing a vignette in my father's RN, Combined Ops., SEAC service, service he was proud of. I think I would have done the same if my quiet beer had been interupted in such a manner. It was only during the Captain's chat they became aware of the politics involved.
I will also say that a Dutch officer who was ferried from the Nuie Amsterdam into Medan, possibly by my father, became my brother's father-in-law, and if that doesn't raise the hairs on the back of your neck, my in-laws were also in Medan at that very time.
Cheers,
Dave
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