Lieutenant General Simon Hendrik Spoor was born on December 12, 1902, in the Netherlands, Spoor’s military career spanned several critical periods, from the war in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) to his contributions during World War II in Australia and his involvement with the Netherlands Forces Intelligence Service (NEFIS).
Spoor’s military journey began in the Netherlands, from here he joined the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL). He served in various capacities, demonstrating his leadership skills and strategic acumen. From 1942 to 1945, Spoor was based in Australia, where he played a pivotal role in the reorganisation and preparation of the Dutch armed forces for the eventual liberation of the NEI.
As the head of NEFIS, appointed in 1944, Spoor oversaw intelligence operations and coordinated efforts with Allied intelligence agencies. NEFIS played a crucial role in gathering and analysing strategic information related to the Japanese military presence in the NEI. The intelligence reports provided valuable insights into Japanese military movements, supply lines, and potential targets, which informed military decision-making and operational planning.
Spoor’s understanding of the importance of intelligence in military operations and his ability to interpret and utilise NEFIS’s information proved instrumental in guiding strategies to counter the Japanese occupation and maintain Dutch authority. Additionally, NEFIS monitored the Indonesian independence movement, reporting on potential threats to Dutch interests as nationalists sought to establish an independent state.
He became a staff member to the American General Douglas MacArthur during the New Guinea campaign and was also present at the invasion with General MacArthur.
By Royal Decree of 19 January 1946, the then 44-year-old Colonel Spoor was appointed army commander in the Dutch East Indies, the position previously held by Conrad Helfrich with the temporary rank of lieutenant general. On 31 January, he also took over the command of Lieutenant General L H van Oyen.
This position placed him in charge of restoring Dutch authority in the region and combating Japanese forces while simultaneously addressing the Indonesian independence movement. These operations involved coordinated efforts with Allied forces, including Australian and American units. His leadership and strategic planning were critical in achieving successes on the battlefield.
After the recapture of the Dutch East Indies in 1945, the Dutch were unable to bring enough troops to NEI after their own liberation from the Germans. The British was the major force who started to take over control from the Japanese after their surrender. Lieutenant Admiral Conrad Emil Lambert Helfrich, along with General Major Ludolph van Oyen, sought to convince the British to restore Dutch authority and suppress Sukarno and the newly proclaimed Republic of Indonesia. However, the British, led by Lord Mountbatten and Batavia’s commander, Philip Christison, declined their requests. As a final resort, both Helfrich and van Oyen offered his resignation, which was accepted.
Throughout his career, Spoor was recognised for his contributions and received numerous honours, including being a knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion, an officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, a member in the Order of the Bath, a commander in the Order of Merit, and the 5th class Silver Cross in the Order of Virtuti Militari (Poland).
Regarding the rumors of Simon Spoor being poisoned, there is no substantial historical evidence to support such claims. Spoor’s sudden death on May 25, 1949, was attributed to heart failure. While conspiracy theories and speculation may have emerged, no conclusive evidence has been presented to validate the poisoning rumors.
Simon Spoor is buried at Menteng Pulo. When Sukarno proclaims the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 1945, the government in the Netherlands is not yet prepared to give up the Dutch East Indies. The government orders General Simon Spoor to lead a large force and restore colonial administration. Together with retired Lieutenant General Mart de Kruif, former commander in Afghanistan, we look back on the events in Indonesia and the actions of his colleague General Simon Spoor.