Slag om de Javazee 2026
Battle of the Java Sea 2026
Saturday, 28th February 2026
Time: Event starts at 1 PM
Location: Dutch Club
Bookings are essential for catering purposes. https://square.link/u/bZXSaEyP
The battle, which started 84 years ago, was disastrous for the Allies, 2,000 naval men were killed, mostly (Indonesian) Dutch, and the way was clear for Japan to conquer the whole of the Dutch East Indies.
Everyone Welcome
Dutch Club NAQ
123 Pine Road
Richlands Qld 4077
History of the Battle of the Java Sea
(De Slag om de Javazee)
Background In early 1942, Japanese forces advanced rapidly through Southeast Asia following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Their next objective was the island of Java, a key strategic and resource centre in the former Netherlands East Indies.
To counter this threat, the Allies formed ABDA Command—a combined force of American, British, Dutch, and Australian naval units—tasked with stopping the Japanese invasion fleet approaching Java.
The Battle – 27 February 1942 On 27 February 1942, the Allied fleet, commanded by Dutch Rear Admiral Karel Doorman, encountered the Japanese naval force in the Java Sea.
The Allied fleet was outmatched in both numbers and technology. Japanese forces possessed superior air support, long-range torpedoes, and better coordination. Despite this, Admiral Doorman pressed the attack, issuing his now-famous signal:
“Ik val aan, volg mij”
(I am attacking, follow me)
The battle lasted several hours and involved repeated engagements as the Allied fleet attempted to break through Japanese defensive lines.
Losses and Sacrifice During the battle, the Royal Netherlands Navy suffered devastating losses, including the sinking of:
- HNLMS De Ruyter (flagship)
- HNLMS Java
Admiral Doorman went down with his ship, along with hundreds of sailors. Allied losses were severe, while Japanese losses were minimal by comparison.
Aftermath The defeat at the Battle of the Java Sea effectively ended Allied naval resistance in the region. Within days, Japanese forces landed on Java, leading to the occupation of the Netherlands East Indies.
For the Netherlands, Australia, Britain, and the United States, the battle stands as a symbol of extraordinary courage, unity, and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.
Commemoration The Battle of the Java Sea is commemorated annually, particularly within Dutch and Allied communities, to honour those who served and those who lost their lives defending freedom during World War II.
It remains one of the most significant naval engagements in Dutch military history.
Key Historical References (Authoritative Sources)
- Netherlands Institute for Military History (NIMH) De Slag in de Javazee, 27 februari 1942 Official Dutch naval and military archives documenting the battle, ships involved, and command decisions.
- Nationaal Archief (The Hague) Royal Netherlands Navy wartime records, ship logs, casualty lists, and post-war investigations.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica Battle of the Java Sea – overview of events, strategic context, and outcomes.
- Australian War Memorial (AWM) Records relating to HMAS Perth, ABDA Command, and Australian naval involvement in the Netherlands East Indies campaign.
- U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command ABDA Command operational summaries and Allied fleet coordination records.
- Doorman, Karel – posthumous naval correspondence and command reports Preserved in Dutch naval archives and referenced in multiple WWII naval histories.
