Stille, Mark/Laurier, Jim (Illustr.) Java Sea 1942. Japan's Conquest of the Netherlands East Indies

A highly illustrated study of the battle of the Java Sea, a key Japanese victory in their advance throughout Southeast Asia. The battle of the Java Sea, fought in February 1942, was the first major surface engagement of the Pacific War and one of the few naval battles of the entire war fought to a decisive victory. It was the culminating point of the Japanese drive to occupy the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) and, to defend the territory, the Allies assembled a striking force comprised of Dutch, American, British, and even an Australian ship, all under the command of a resolute Dutch admiral. On February 27, 1942, the Allied striking force set course to intercept the Japanese invasion force in the Java Sea. In one of the few such times during the whole of World War II a protracted surface engagement was fought unmolested by airpower. For over seven hours, the Allied force attempted to attack the Japanese invasion force, finally breaking off in the early evening. Some three hours later, the Allied force, now reduced to just four remaining cruisers and two destroyers, attempted another attack on the invasion convoy during which Japanese torpedoes scored heavily, sinking two Dutch cruisers and bringing the battle to a conclusion. Over the next two days, as the Allies attempted to flee, five more ships were sunk. From that point on, Allied naval power was eliminated from Southeast Asia. In this illustrated title, Mark Stille tells the full story of the battle of the Java Sea, explaining how and why the Japanese achieved such a resounding victory, and delving into the tremendous impact of the battle on the course of the Pacific War.

To defend the area, the Allies assembled a powerful force consisting of Dutch, American, British and even Australian ships, commanded by a determined Dutch admiral. On 27 February 1942, the Allied task force set out to intercept the Japanese invasion force in the Java Sea. This naval battle was one of the few battles between surface ships that took place entirely without interference from flying units. The Allied force attempted to attack the Japanese invasion fleet for over seven hours, finally calling off the operation in the early evening. About three hours later, the Allied force, now reduced to only four remaining cruisers and two destroyers, attempted another attack on the Japanese invasion convoy, during which Japanese torpedoes scored heavy hits on the Allies, sinking two Dutch cruisers and bringing the battle to an end. Over the next two days, as the Allies tried to escape, five more ships were sunk. From this point on, Allied naval power in Southeast Asia was virtually eliminated. In this richly illustrated title, Mark Stille tells the full story of the Battle of the Java Sea. He explains how and why the Japanese won such a resounding victory and examines the enormous impact the battle had on the course of the Pacific War.