Java Sea, Battle of the

In World War II, Japanese naval victory over Allied forces attempting to prevent the invasion of Java in 27 February 1942. Their victory allowed the Japanese a free run in the waters around Java and they were able to complete their invasion without interference.

A Japanese fleet escorting the Eastern Invasion Force was intercepted by a mixture of British, US, Australian, and Dutch warships intent upon preventing them reaching Java. The Allied force of five cruisers and ten destroyers was severely mauled by the Japanese and while attempting to escape they ran into a second Japanese invasion force and were almost totally destroyed. Only four US destroyers, all damaged, managed to escape to the safety of Australia.