East Indies a European perspective), archaically called Hither India and Further India. The first is the former British India, the second is Southeast Asia. Regions of the East Indies are sometimes known by the colonial empire they once belonged to, hence, "British East Indies" refers to Malaysia, "Dutch East Indies" means Indonesia, and "Spanish East Indies" means the Philippines. Historically, the king of Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia) was identified with "Prester John of the Indies", since that part of the world was imagined to be one of "Three Indias". Exploration of these regions by European powers first began in the late 15th century
East Indies Station UK between early November 1941 & May 1942), and six armed merchant cruisers. Also assigned to the station was 814 Naval Air Squadron at China Bay, Ceylon, which unit was at that time equipped with Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers. The last flagship of the station, in 1957-58, was HMS Gambia. In 1958 the station closed and was replaced by the Arabian Seas and Persian Gulf Station. Note: for the period "1832–1865". Post holders included: Note:The post was sometimes styled as Senior Naval Officer, Egypt and Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station. Included: Note: Under East Indies Station briefly when the Eastern Fleet