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It is
believed that some 42000 members of the KNIL (Koninklijk Nederlands Indisch
Leger), including nearly 4000 Marines, were taken prisoner. The mortality rate
appears to have been around 20%, lower than US, British and Commonwealth rates.
Theories abound as to why this might have been the case but it is clear that
they were more acclimatised to the geographical conditions of the area in which
they were captive. They also knew the flora and fauna better and were able to
exploit these when food and medical supplies ran short. Their medical staff knew
the worst effects of malnutrition and tropical diseases and were able to show
great creativity in dealing with them. For example there are several reports of
large scale yeast fermentation to provide extra vitamins and combat the worst
effects of avitaminosis.
See:
http://tweedewereldoorlog-azie.pagina.nl/ and for further reading
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