Military units awarded the Military Order of William

Nine military units have the Military Order of William attached to their colours.

The Military Order of William attached to the colour of the Commando Corps
Image: Ministry of Defence
The Military Order of William attached to the colour of the Commando Corps

The US 82nd Airborne (‘All American’) Division

In October 1945, the US 82nd Airborne Division was honoured for its role in Operation Market Garden in 1944.

The Polish 6th Airborne Brigade

The Polish 6th Airborne Brigade continues the traditions of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade. The 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade was awarded the Military Order of William in 2006 for its role in Operation Market Garden in 1944.

The ‘Van Heutsz’ Regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army

The ‘Van Heutsz’ Regiment carries on the traditions of the former Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. In 1849, 1877 and 1930, respectively, three units of this army were awarded the Military Order of William.

Royal Netherlands Air Force

The Royal Netherlands Air Force was established in 1953, from the Military Air Arm of the Royal Netherlands Army and the Military Air Arm of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. In 1940 and 1942, respectively, these two air arms were awarded the Military Order of William for their efforts during the Second World War.

The Naval Air Arm of the Royal Netherlands Navy

In 1942, the Naval Air Arm was awarded the Military Order of William for its efforts during the Second World War.

The ‘Prinses Irene’ Fusilier Guards Regiment of the Royal Netherlands Army

The ‘Prinses Irene’ Fusilier Guards Regiment continues the traditions of the Royal Netherlands Brigade ‘Prinses Irene’. The Royal Netherlands Brigade ‘Prinses Irene’ was awarded the Military Order of William in July 1945 for its efforts during the Second World War.

The Marine Corps of the Royal Netherlands Navy

The Marine Corps received the Military Order of William in 1946 for its efforts during the Second World War.

The Submarine Service of the Royal Netherlands Navy

In 1947 the Submarine Service was awarded the Military Order of William for its efforts during the Second World War.

The Commando Corps

On 15 March 2016 His Majesty the King presented the Military Order of William to the Commando Corps. The unit was awarded the Military Order of William for its exceptional efforts and proven bravery in Afghanistan in the period from March 2005 to September 2010.