The history of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee at Schiphol, 1946-2013

On 26 November 2013, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee Schiphol District's new barracks complex, the 'Koningin Máxima' Barracks, was officially opened. The opening of this ultra-modern barracks represents an ideal occasion to reflect on the history of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (RNLM) at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Since the first passenger flight on 17 May 1920, Schiphol has developed into one of the largest airports in Europe. The RNLM has been responsible for border control at the airport since 1946. Expanding steadily with Schiphol, the RNLM has grown into the principal security organisation at the airport. Since 1993, the RNLM has also been responsible for policing duties at the airport and for civilian aviation security. This multi-faceted development is the pivotal theme of The History of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee at Schiphol. How has the growth of Schiphol influenced the work of the RNLM? The Netherlands Institute of Military History (NIMH) in The Hague is an academic centre of expertise and research on the history of the Netherlands armed forces and the military history of the Netherlands. For information, see www.defensie.nl/nimh