It has been 82 years since the Imperial Japanese Navy clashed with the ABDA forces—the united forces of Great Britain, the United States of America, the Netherlands, and Australia—in the Java Sea.
Their victory allowed Japan to gain control over the Malay Archipelago, and it proved to be the final battle of many of the ships presented in World of Warships. The anniversary of this engagement represents the perfect occasion to reflect on the events of this moment in history, as well as their outcome.
Historical notes
In the evening on February 27, Japanese and ABDA forces engaged in battle near the shore of Surabaya—that's how the first battle in the Java Sea commenced. Cruisers and destroyers engaged in that battle simultaneously—a situation that hadn't happened since the Battle of Jutland in 1916. It was the first major naval battle Japan had taken part in since the Battle of Tsushima in 1905.
Prior to the battle, the Allied task force had five cruisers and nine destroyers; the Japanese task force comprised 14 destroyers and four cruisers—two heavy and two light. The aggressive and skilled actions of the Imperial Japanese Navy, coupled with masterful use of powerful torpedo armament and aviation, led to the defeat of the ABDA forces.
The most serious problem that faced the Allied forces was a catastrophic lack of aviation. In such conditions, even a fleet as large as that of the Allies had little chance of victory. The victory of the Imperial Navy allowed Japan to gain control over the Dutch colonies in the region and access to strategically important materials—oil, tin, and gum.
Australian light cruiser HMAS Perth in April 1941 in a fancy camouflage.
Starboard view of British York-class heavy cruiser HMS Exeter (68) sailing in an unidentified port in 1936.
Side view of Japanese IJN Myōkō-class heavy cruiser Myōkō sailing in an unidentified location around March 31, 1941.
Left side view of light cruiser HNLMS De Ruyter (1935) of the Royal Dutch Navy sailing in Far Eastern waters, probably around 1936–1938.
Langley was the first U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. She was sunk near the island of Java in February 1942.
Aerial photo of sinking British cruiser Exeter (pennant number 68) on March 1, 1942, after a battle against Japanese cruisers near the island of Java.
Damaged USS Marblehead (CL-12) in the Dutch East Indies after being attacked by the Japanese during the Battle of the Java Sea in February 1942. The aft of a 19-year-old cruiser. The result of a direct bomb hit to the aft deck.
The natives of the island of Java help the crew of USS Marblehead (CL-12) repair damage from bombs and fire.
The Battle of the Java Sea, February 27, 1942. A night battle in which ABDA forces were attacked by the Japanese fleet. Royal Dutch Navy light cruiser De Ruyter was hit with torpedoes and a fire started on board. Australian cruiser HMAS Perth was following her and barely managed to avoid a collision. A few minutes later, Royal Dutch Navy light cruiser Java was also torpedoed and exploded. Navy art collection. Works from John Hamilton's collection.
All photos are courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archive. Looking for more thrilling shots related to naval history? Check the photo archive online here.
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