Dutch East Indies

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "• The ABDA striking force approaching Sumatra comes under increasing air attack. Land based attack planes and Ryūjō aircraft score near misses on heavy cruiser HMS Exeter and disable her float plane. Australian light cruiser Hobart and two American destroyers take splinter damage but the force manages to escape major damage.

Dutch light cruiser Java evading bombs 15 February, 1942

 

- By the end of the day, Doorman reluctantly turns back to Java as he has shot off most of his anti-aircraft ammunition and used too much fuel with flank speed evasive maneuvers. Tomorrow would put him under enemy air superiority and unable to fight back.

HMS Exeter dodging bombs 15 February 1942"

[Heliopause]

Febr 14th
Australian Hudsons carry out patrols from Palembang, Sumatra to locate enemy ships near Bangka island. Some succeed in attacking but without results. Zero fighters being able to shoot down five. Hurricanes from P1 go out for escorting Blenheim bombers. Shortly after the fighter planes have left enemy paratroopers land near the airfield and Pladjoe oil refinery. Groundpersonell at first thinking that Hudsons have arrived over the airfield.
13 Ki-48 bombers meanwhile attack airfield positions. A formation of Ki-21 bombers also perform an attack with two Hurricanes being able to scramble. One of these being shot down by enemy fighters and the enemy losing a bomber due to AA.
The formation of Hurricanes later returning to PII airfield to avoid the enemy groundtroops at PI.
In the afternoon Blenheims are sent out to attack the enemy fleet with two being shot down by enemy fighters and six receiving damage.

 

From Java Dutch B-10's carry out an attack on the enemy ships near Bangka aswell. A claim is made of hitting a cruiser although of the bad weather and evasive action by the enemy ships (meanwhile a number of B-10 pilots are selected to travel to Australia to collect newly delivered B-25C bombers for the ML-KNIL).

 

8 B-17's also search for the reported enemy convoy near Banka however none is found.

 

 

Febr 15th
Blenheims and Husdons carry out attacks in the morning on the enemy ships. A number of these are hit. These attacks are repeated by other formations including strafing attacks by Hurricanes on barges.
5 B-17's bomb enemy ships near Palembang, Sumatra scoring a hit on an auxillary vessel and a cruiser.
Dutch KNIL troops move out of the Palembang area. Although succesfully the previous day in cornering japanese parachutists at Pladjoe oil installations it is feared more enemy troops will land especially with those moving up the Moesi river. Communication about this development to the Britisch forces is minimal. Decisions are quickly taken to relocate to Java aswell.

 

From Java B-10's set out to attack the enemy fleet near Bangka with one transportship succesfully being attacked. B-17's also carry out an attack with five being able to arrive near the enemy ships. Claims are made on a cruiser and a transportship.

 

 

Febr 16th
6 B-17's attack enemy shipping on the Banjoeansin river, hitting 3 transports and barges. Flying below cloud of the strormy weather some machines receive damage from enemy AA fire.

4 Blenheims leave Palembang for Java after being patched up the previous night. One of the machines making a emergency landing along the way with one survivor. A number of damaged Blenheims and Hurricanes are left behind.

[Heliopause]

Febr 17th
8 P-40's attack Palembang airfield, Sumatra from Java. The are intercepted by 6 enemy fighters. 3 P-40's being able to carry out dive-bombing and strafing attacks and with four pilots shooting down an enemy plane (97 type).

[Jorge_S]

Thanks for the awesome post

 

have you heard about old (2010) wargame "War in the Pacific Admiral Edition" ?

 

I bet you would like it; if you can manage to work around its micromanagement

[Heliopause]

Febr 18th
Four patrols of B-10's set out to attack the oil storages of the Pladjoe oil refinery and P1 airfield on Sumatra with three Hudsons (RAAF) joining in for the attack on Pladjoe. Bad weather however prevents an succesfull attack.
Four Blenheims are also sent out, these to attack enemy shipping on the Moesi river. Again weather conditions denying succesfull attacks.
Ten B-17's perform a mission to bomb enemy shipping on Moesi and Oepang estuaries. Bad weather sees them return before reaching the target area.

 

Enemy reconnaissance planes fly over West Java. Brewsters and Hurricanes are unable to succesfully intercept each time.
Near Tjepoe (Java) a Fokker C.XIw floatplane is shot down by an enemy plane. The pilot succesfully bailing out however the observer/gunner perishes.

 

The Fokker C.XIw's could be used on the light cruisers Tromp and De Ruyter, the latter equipped with a steam catapult system for launch. However the planes where kept at Surabaya naval base as keeping and taking the planes onboard would hamper effective cruiser operations.

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago yesterday] "• Dutch destroyer Van Nes is off Sumatra escorting Dutch 3,000 ton steamer Sloet Van De Beele which is carrying refugees when attacked by shore based and Ryūjō carrier aircraft. G3Ms sink the steamer and B5Ns the destroyer. 52 survivors are rescued by Dutch Dornier flying boats."

 

 

Note that the Ryūjō  continues to be the only carrier operating against the Philippine Islands, Malaysia and the DEI.

[Heliopause]

Febr 19th
Three B-10's attack enemy ships at Banka resulting in one vessel being hit. Another B-10 sets out to the Pladjoe oil storages, Sumatra. A number of storages with aviation fuel are succesfully attacked. Ki-27 fighters are seen but avoided by flying into cloud.

Semplak airfield, Java is attacked by 5 Ki-48's and fighter escorts. Resulting in four RAAF Hudsons and a Sikorsky S-43 of the KNILM (Royal East Indies Airlines) destroyed. 9 Brewsters have taken off to intercept only able to find the enemy bombers after these have attacked the airfield. Ki-43 escorts then intervene coming from a higher altitude. 4 Brewsters are lost in the airbattle with 2 pilots taking to there parachutes succesfully. Another Brewster is badly damaged making a landing back at base. The pilot needs to be helped getting out of the machine as the sliding canopy is stuck because of damage.
The airfield of Andir is also bombed by enemy planes. 12 Brewsters take-off being joined during the climb by 4 Curtiss Interceptors from Bandoeng (at Bandoeng a road was used as an airstrip). At altitude enemy bombers are spotted below as well as enemy fighters flying topcover. Over Lembang an airbattle starts. 3 Brewsters are lost with one pilot killed whilst claims are made for two enemy fighters. On the ground a Brewster, 2 Interceptors, 3 Curtiss Hawks and a B-17's are lost aswell as damage to a number of hangars and buildings. AA at the airfield claiming two enemy fighters. Britisch Hurricanes are also ordered to intercept the enemy planes and some find the enemy fighters as these make their way out. Claiming one enemy fighter for the loss of two Hurricanes (one pilot killed).
Two B-17's coming from India are also attacked by enemy fighters over Java with one being lost. 
 
In the meantime seven Blenheims from Kalidjati perform a mission to Palembang PI airfield, Sumatra. Two Blenheims are able to bomb the airfield aiming for the enemy planes lined up. Clouds helping the planes to evade most of the enemy fighters, returning to Kalidjati with damage. In the afternoon a patrol of B-10's set out to attack PI airfield however just before the bombrun enemy fighter planes intervene. The B-10's quickly dropping the bombs and taking evasive action by diving into clouds. One attacking Ki-27 breaks of its attack after being hit by gunner fire.

 

In the late evening Allied Navy ships attack enemy vessels at Bali using two formations (the first enemy troops already ashore). The first formation consisting of light cruisers De Ruyter and Java, destroyers Piet Hein, Kortenaer and US Ford and Pope. In the target area an enemy navy vessel
is spotted on the left with the guns of De Ruyter over starboard. It is Java that opens fire on a destroyer with an enemy searchlight being knocked out by 40mm guns. Piet Hein is next in line launching a torpedo on an transportship which misses. Followed by two more torpedoes one of which is registered as a hit. Piet Hein is hit a little later and comes to a stop with its high pressure steamsystem ruptered. Ford and Pope then also launching torpedoes. In the confusion enemy Asashio and Oshio for a moment opening fire at each other. After a brief spell in the fight Piet Hein (only able to move slowly) is caught in searchlights and hit. She will sink later after the ammo storage blows up. The second formation (consisting of US destroyers Stewart, Parrot, J.D. Edwards and Pillsbury and Dutch light cruiser Tromp then follows. Torpedoes are launched at Asashio and Oshio but these do not hit. Stewart being hit by a grenade that doesn't explode. Tromp follows and comes under fire registering eleven hits (e.g. the commandtower and weapons guidancesystem). Osashio being hit by Tromps return fire, al under high speed. The US destroyers later running into enemy destroyers Arashio and Michishio with both sides launching torpedoes. The Michishio getting hit multiple times and receiving heavy damage. A number of Dutch MTB's (as a third attack formation) follow up but by then fail to find any enemy vessels and the battle of Badoeng strait comes to a close.
 

Edited February 19, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

Febr 20th
A patrol of B-10's from Andir, Java attack Oelin airfield (south east of Bandjarmasin), Borneo. The field has been demolished before its troops retreated on the 9th. This attack will disrupt the repair works carried out by the enemy. In the morning and afternoon a patrol of B-10's attack the oil storages of the Pladjoe oil refinery. Oil storages with aviation fuel succesfully being attacked. The latter patrol observing F1M floatplanes but these are left behind by slighty diving out of the area. 
Another patrol of B-10's attack enemy ships on the Moesi river resulting in hitting one transportship and near misses on barges.
Four Hudsons also carry out an attack on shipping on the Moesi. Near Palembang one Hudson attacks an transportship. Enemy fighters intercept but cloudcover is then used to evade these.

 

16 P-40's give escort to 7 A-24's. Over Lombok Strait 6 naval vessels are attackted. 2 A-24's are lost to AA and 5 P-40's of which two land on a beach out of fuel and two shot down. Claims are made for three Zero's.

 

9 enemy fighter planes strafe Singosari airfield 5 hours later, with 3 B-17's burned to the ground and 2 badly damaged.
Kalidjati airfield is also attacked (by 10 Ki-48's with Ki-43 escorts). Two B-10's are lost. 8 Brewsters are ordered to intercept. The pilots spot the enemy formation towards Kalidjati but groundcontrol orders them to keep position. In the end no contact is made with the enemy.

Febr 21st
3 B-10's from Andir bomb the oil storages at Pladjoe, Sumatra. Results are not easy to see due to smoke colums of existing fires and clouds (in the evening 2 B-10's repeat this attack). In the afternoon 4 B-10's succesfully attack the refinery itself.
2 Hudsons (RAAF) set out to attack PI airfield and enemy ships on the Moesi river. The airfield PI is succesfully attacked but enemy fighters intervene over the Moesi with the Hudsons evading by use of clouds.
From Kalidjati another B-10 patrol attacks the oil storages at Pladjoe. Its use must be denied to the enemy. During the bombrun enemy fighters apear and start closing in (Ki-43's). Right after the bombdrop the bombers succesfully dive towards the clouds for cover.
A second B-10 patrol turns back before reaching the target area as enemy fighter planes are seen and cloudcover insufficient. 5 Blenheims also set out to Palembang. One section attacking enemy vessels whilst the other oil storages at Pladjoe.

Meanwhile Kalidjati is attacked by 15 Ki-48's with Ki-43 escorts resulting in three B-10's and two Lodestars being lost. Britisch and Dutch AA guns will claim four enemy bombers. Andir comes under strafing attackes by enemy fighters. 7 Brewsters are up in the air on time and are able to dive down on a group of fighters. One Ki-43 and a Brewster ramming eachother during a head on attack. The pilot of the latter taking to his parachute succesfully after his Brewster loses a wing. The enemy fighter plane with its pilot crashing. One other Brewster pilot claiming an enemy fighter.
3 Curtis Interceptors are scrambled in the meantime towards the enemy bombers however groundcontrol later redirecting them to aid the Brewster fighters. Arriving in the area the dogfights are by then over and the Interceptors return to the airstrip at Bandoeng.

Edited February 21, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

Febr 22nd
B-10's are at ready to give support to allied ships if nesecarry with some machines conducting maritime patrols. Four B-10's set out from Tjisaoek airfield to further attack Pladjoe, however weather conditions are such that the planes turn back.
From Kalidjati one patrol of B-10's attacks enemy shipping on the Moesi river whilst another attacks the oil storages at Pladjoe. However cloud conditions prevent accurate attacks in both missions. Two Hudsons also set out to attack Pladjoe but with enemy fighters over the target area the planes have to abort at the last moment. Cloudcover is used to leave the area. A third Hudson succesfully attacks an enemy transportship of Banka setting it on fire by two direct hits.

 

Semplak is attacked by Ki-48's and Ki-43's resulting in six Hudsons and a Lodestar transport destroyed. Kemajoran airfield also attacked (9 Ki-48's and Ki-43's) resulting in a number of Blenheims damaged.

4 Curtiss Interceptors at Bandoeng (operating from a road) are relocated to Andir.

3 PBY Catalina's from Sqn 205 are now operating from Tjilatjap at Java's southcoast for protecting shipmovements.
 

[Heliopause]

Febr 23rd
3 B-10's from Andir carry out a bombing mission to the Moesi river, succesfully bombing an enemy vessel. 3 B-10's from Semplak attack the oil storages at Palembang. Other B-10's from Kalidjati attack ships at Muntok and PI airfield (Sumatra). At PI three enemy planes are hit on the ground.

Blenheims (Sqn 84) also attack PI with claims of a number of enemy planes being hit. 2 Hudsons (RAAF) set out to attack the ships at Muntok. Enemy fighters (Zero's) are spotted before the bombrun and the Hudsons are able to return savely by use of clouds.

[Heliopause]

Febr 24th
An early patrol of B-10's attack the Pladjoe oil storages at first light. Enemy AA reacting to late and the machines return savely to Tjisaoek. From Andir another 2 B-10's set out to attack PI airfield at Palembang in the late afternoon. Bombs are seen to hit right next to a group of enemy planes. Ki-43's attack the bombers as they start the return flight with one machine being shot down. The remaining B-10 reaching Kemajoran in the dark with slight damage.
The airfield of Andir meanwhile is again attacked (Ki-48's). Two B-17's, a Curtiss Interceptor and a B-10 are lost with a B-17 damaged. A number of other airfields are strafed by enemy fighters. 5 Brewsters take-off from Andir on time being joined by 3 Curtiss Interceptors. Between the clouds the planes get into contact with enemy fighters. Outnumbered one Brewster returns with heavy damage. Another has its guns mallfunctioning, returning with light damage. One Interceptor is shot down as it is flying back to base with its engine losing power.
Hurricanes of Sqn 232 and 605 from Tjilitan are also ordered to intercept the enemy formations. After dogfighting with enemy fighters three are claimed destroyed.
2 Dorniers Do 24's meanwhile attack enemy shipping at Muntok with possibly one transportship being hit. Both planes are lost however by attacks from enemy fighters. The crew of one flying boat reaching an island and being picked up the following day by minesweeper Djombang.

 

Curtiss Interceptor of ML-KNIL.

Edited February 24, 2022 by Heliopause
pic

[Heliopause]

Febr 25th
4 B-10's from Tjisaoek set out to bomb the remaining undamaged oil storages at Pladjoe, Sumatra. However before reaching the target area they are attacked by Ki-27's. The last plane in the formation having to crash land on Sumatra's eastcoast.

From Kalidjati 5 Blenheims set out for an attack on PI airfield at Palembang, Sumatra (Kalidjati being attacked twice in the morning with one Blenheim and two B-10's receiving damage). During the first leg one Blenheim returns because of techical defects. Just south of Palembang Ki-27's intervene and the Blenheims quickly fly to the Pladjou oil facilities as an alternative target. One bomber however is damaged in one of the engines by the enemy fighters and ditches of the coast of Sumatra. Using a localy bought small fishing boat the crew is later able to return to Java. Two Hudsons in the meantime carry out an maritime patrol.

At Kalidjati 10 Hurricanes are now operated by ML-KNIL for the last few days. Today comes the order to carry out standing patrols. After flying for two hours the planes return to land and refuel only to find the airfield coming under attack (Ki-48's). One Hurricane belly lands after being attacked by Ki-43's whilst another runs in a fresh bombcrater.

Britisch Hurricanes at Tjilitan (Sqn's 232 and 605) are scrambled on time and a dogfight developes with one enemy fighter shot down for the loss of two Hurricanes.

The harbor of Batavia (Djakarta) is also attacked with most bombs missing the ships. AA is able to damage some of the enemy bombers. Zero's follow up with strafing. 
A number of ML-KNIL Brewsters and Hurricanes are relocated to east Java to bolster the fighter force there.

Edited February 25, 2022 by Heliopause

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago yesterday] "• The Battle of the Java Sea is fought as the ABDA naval force under Doorman attacks the Japanese support force under Major General Takagi Takeo covering Java invasion convoy. The battle rages from mid-afternoon to midnight as Doorman continually tries to get around the support force to attack the troop transports. Japanese gunfire proves ineffective, as heavy cruisers Nachi and Haguro expend 1,271 8-inch rounds but achieve only five hits. Of those five, four are duds: one each on heavy cruisers USS Houston and HMS Exeter, and two on Dutch light cruiser De Ruyter. The only shell that does explode reduces Exeter's speed.

- The Japanese launch 92 torpedoes but score only one hit, sinking Dutch destroyer Kortenaer. The American destroyers make a torpedo attack but there are no hits.

 

- Around sunset Doorman retires briefly again. The damaged Exeter is detached, escorted by destroyers HMS Electra and HMNLS Witte de With. This group will be engaged by light cruiser Jintsu and destroyer Asagumo, during which Electra and Asagumo are both badly damaged by shellfire. Electra will sink while Asagumo will limp back to base.

 

Pre-war photo of the Dutch fleet in the East Indies

 

- Doorman's force steers south toward the Java coast, then west and north in an attempt to evade the Japanese escort group and fall on the convoy. During this move destroyer HMS Jupiter hits a Dutch mine and sinks and the American destroyers detach on their own initiative to re-arm with torpedoes.

 

- Doorman's command, now reduced to four cruisers, again encounters the Japanese escort group. Both columns exchange fire in the darkness at long range, until De Ruyter and Java are both sunk by one devastating torpedo salvo. Doorman and most of his crew go down with De Ruyter, with only 111 being saved from both ships. The last remaining ships, Houston and Australian light cruiser Perth, fall back to Tanjung Priok.

 

- The Japanese invasion force is delayed by one day.

 

• American freighter Sea Witch delivers 27 crated P-40 fighters to Tjilatjap, Java, but the planes will have to be destroyed on the docks to deny their capture by the Japanese.

 

• Seaplane tender Langley, carrying another 32 P-40s for the defense of Java, is bombed by Japanese naval land attack planes 75 miles south of Tjilatjap. Irreparably damaged, the ship that had once been the US Navy's first aircraft carrier is shelled and torpedoed by destroyer USS Whipple.

 

USS Langley being abandoned

 

USS Langley being scuttled"

 

"Java Sea. c. February 1942. A formation of Japanese bombers attacking warships in the Java Sea, seen from the Australian cruiser, HMAS Hobart. During the Battle of the Java Sea many ships were lost. (Donor J. King)"

[80 years ago today] "• Japanese troops invade Java. The 2nd Division with attached units comes ashore at Bantam Bay, 50 miles west of the capital Batavia (modern Jakarta), and at Eretan Wetan, 85 miles east of Batavia. The 48th Division, added to the force due to the rapid collapse of MacArthur’s defense of Luzon, lands 100 miles east of the main Allied naval base at Surabaya. In all 35,000 Japanese troops come ashore and quickly overcome light resistance from Allied machineguns at all points.

 

Japanese troops and equipment coming ashore on Java

 

• USS S-38 picks up 44 survivors from British destroyer Electra.

 

• Heavy cruiser USS Houston and light cruiser HMAS Perth attempt to reach Australia via the Sunda Strait. Both are low on fuel and Houston has only fifty rounds for each of her six working 8” guns. Perth has only twenty rounds for each of her 6” guns.

 

- Around 11pm, Perth challenges an unknown ship and quickly determines it to be Japanese (destroyer Fubuki). The two ships have stumbled across the Japanese landing force off Sint Nicolaas point. A battle quickly begins as the cruisers engage seven Japanese destroyers and light cruiser Natori. Gun flashes seem to erupt from all quarters while the waters boil with phosphorescent torpedo wakes. The Japanese fire 28 torpedoes and Perth fires four, for no hits on the enemy. Houston receives light damage from gunfire. Heavy cruisers Suzuya, Kumano, Mogami, and Mikuma under Naval Major General Takeo Kurita approach at high speed and enter the battle while aircraft carrier Ryūjō desperately tries to clear the area.

 

- At a half hour before midnight, the first torpedo hits Perth while she is making 28 knots and reduced to firing sand filled practice shells. This torpedo kills all but one of the forward engine room crew. Two more torpedoes hit five minutes later. Captain Hector Waller orders abandon ship shortly before a fourth torpedo hits and sinks her.

 

- While Perth is being hit, Mogami fires six torpedoes at Houston in one of the most devastating salvoes of the war. Unfortunately for the Japanese, they miss the cruiser and race into the anchored transports.

 

- The army transports Sakura Maru, Horai Maru, Tatsuno Maru, and the amphibious flagship Shinshu Maru are all torpedoed and sunk, although the later two were subsequently raised. Japanese minesweeper W-2 is also sunk, either by torpedo or gunfire from Houston. Sixteenth Army commander Lieutenant-General Hitoshi Imamura is aboard the flagship and has to jump overboard as she founders.

 

- Captain Albert Rooks gives up on the idea of escape and turns Houston back toward the transports. Several destroyers illuminate Houston with searchlights for benefit of the Japanese cruisers. At 2340 Houston suffers a hit in the engine room which kills the entire crew. Her first torpedo hit follows shortly after. The action is so close a Houston sailor shoots out a Japanese searchlight with a rifle. Houston benefits as Japanese ships illuminate each other and their own transports and she is able to damage destroyers Harukaze, Shirakumo and Shikinami.

 

- At 2350 she is hit on her #2 turret, starting a fire and both magazines are flooded. Finally three torpedo hits follow in quick succession and Rooks orders abandon ship shortly before being killed by a bursting shell.

 

- About this time Dutch destroyer Evertsen which had been trying to catch up to the cruisers despite a boiler being down enters the area. She is engaged by two Japanese destroyers and damaged aft with a fire breaking out. After firing her torpedoes, her captain beaches her. The fire eventually reaches her aft magazine.

HNLMS Evertsen wreck

[Vig]

Very interesting; I had never read about the "own goals" by Mogami.  Four kills with six torpedoes!

[cardboard_killer]

The Japanese "Long Lance" had a range of 22 km at fast speed (93 km/hr), 33 km at medium speed (70 km/hr), and 40 km at slow speed (60 km/hr). The Japanese launched over 80 torpedoes during the engagement.

[Heliopause]

Febr 26th
In the morning Dornier Do 24 X 28 on a maritime patrol discovers an enemy fleet sailing in the direction of eastern Java. For a number of hours the Dornier shadowes the enemy. In the afternoon a B-17 attacks these ships without results (a second B-17 finds no ships and bombs the airfield at Bali). PBY catalina Y 63 is also flying a patrol discovering enemy vessels at Muntok. In the early light on the return leg the Catalina is attacked by enemy fighters near Sumatra. One of the Ki-27's is hit by gunner fire and crashes in the sea with a second attacker turning away with damage. The Catalina is forced to land at sea with the crew being able to reach a small island by dingy.

 

A B-10 attacks the Pladjoe oil facilities in the early light having taken-off around 3am. Hits are seen and the bomber is not intercepted. Blenheims (Sqn 84) also set out to attack the enemy. A number of ships at Muntok are seen and the biggest is attacked. On the return flight an enemy convoy is seen but weather concitions prevent an accurate observation. 2 B-10's follow up the attack at Muntok. Bombs are aimed on a cargoship but miss. Two barges are sunk however. The bombers are then attacked by enemy fighters (Zero's). One of the B-10's is lost whilst the other is able to get into cloudcover. With a damaged machine the return flight is flown on one engine and a landing is made at Kemajoran.

 

9 P-40's and 3 Brewsters scramble to attack an enemy formation over Surabaya (G4M's). Bombing from heigh altitude the enemy bombers can not be reached. One P-40 is able to surprise 2 enemy fighters claiming one shot down.
Late in the afternoon 2 Brewsters fly a recon mission over the sea north of Surabaya prior to Allied navy vessels setting sail from the Naval base.

In the early evening the combined striking force under command of rear admiral Doorman sets sail to carry out a sweep in search of reported enemy ships. None are found and they return to Surabaya the next day to resuply.

 

Febr 27th
3 B-10's and a number of Hudsons fly sea searches from Kalidjati, Java in the morning to locate possible enemy vessels. A further 2 B-10's and 2 Blenheims fly to Palembang for attacks on enemy ships on the Moesi river. However weather conditions prevent notable results.

During the early afternoon a Blenheim (Sqn 84) and a B-10 set out to Palembang to recon the two airfields for use by the enemy. The Blenheim dicovering some 30 enemy bomber at PII airfield and then performing a strafing attack at low-level and high speed. The B-10 checking PI airfield. Coming out of cloud seeing some 60 enemy planes on the ground and fighter cover flying above. Quickly pulling up into the clouds again.
 
3 A-24's with 10 P-40's and 5 Brewsters as escort attack enemy ships to the north of Java. Hits are registered and one transport sunk. The A-24's return to Malang, Java as the fighters remain over the sea battle between the Allied naval ships (Combined Strike Force under command of Rear Admiral Doorman on light cruiser De Ruyter) and the Japanese covering force for the landing vessels. During the last daylight hours the P-40's and  Brewsters give topcover preventing enemy scoutplanes from observing the allied Naval ships. In the twilight the fighter planes return to Ngoro airfield. Before complete darkness an enemy scoutplane moves in towards the Allied formation but also has to return to be taken aboard before darkness.

 

An B-10 from Kalidjati performs an night attack on the airfield PI at Palembang. Results can not be observed.

 

To the south of Java US Langley and Seawitch are on their way towards Tjilatlap harbor. The latter is able to reach its destination on the 28th with 27 crated P-40's. The Langley is however attacked by enemy bombers operating out of Bali. Suffering direct hits the ship is lost with its precious cargo of 32 flyable P-40's. PBY Y65 is damaged while flying cover for the Langley and is beached after landing at Tjilatjap. Dutch ship Kota Baroe also reaches Tjilatjap with 6 crated Douglas DB-7B's.

 

Australian cruiser Hobart and Britisch light cruisers Dragon and Danae, operating from Tandjok Priok (harbor of Batavia), carry out a sweep to search for a reported enemy convoy but this is not found. The vessels returning in the afternoon. Shortly after midnight the ships will set out again in search for enemy ships. If none are found they should continue towards Ceylon (they arrive there March 5th).

 

 

Febr 28th 
8 Vildebeests and a single Albacore stationed at Tjilkampek are flown to Madioen to support US planes in attacks on the Japanese eastern Java invasion fleet.
In the early evening two flights of Vildebeests and the Albacore fly out to attack enemy transports off Pembang. Most of the biplanes attack from low level and a number of hits are made. After their return they are quickly rearmed and refuelled. In the face of heavy fire another attack is carried out with several transports hit. The planes then returning to Tjilkampek where the last Albacore is destroyed on the ground.

 

10 P-40's and 4 Brewsters are scrambled in the afternoon to intercept enemy bombers aprouching Surabaya. The Brewsters are able to climb higher and get closer to the bombers only to be attacked from above by enemy fighters. One Brewster pilot taking to his parachute as the engine seizes after getting hit.

 

From Andir, Java Lodestars take four B-10 crews to Bangalore, India to collect B-25C bombers for the ML-KNIL that will arrive by the western ferry route.

 

In the late evening 3 B-10's from Kemajoran are sent out to attack enemy ships steaming towards Java's north coast. However nightconditions and enemy AA make observation of the results nearly impossible. One machine is lost. The remaining two are made ready for a second attack later in the night with only one being able to carry out the mission. The other having technical diificulties during the start. Again results could not be observed.

Edited March 1, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

March 1st
Cruisers Houston and Perth try to sail to Tjilatjap at Java's southcoast running into enemy ships at Bantam bay. In the night battle that erupts a number of Japanese vessels are hit, some by friendly fire (one transportship and a minesweeper sunk, two transports heavy damaged and beached). Houston and Perth however are also lost.
Dutch submarine K XV is active in the same area and torpedoes enemy tanker Erimo in Bantam bay. K XIV performs an unsuccesfull attack on a Kuma class cruiser.
With Surabaya Naval base under threat both submarines will sail to Colombo, Ceylon.
MTB's from Surabaya naval base are sent out to attack enemy ships during the last few nights. One commanded by Lt 2nd Class H. C. Jorissen claiming a torpedo hit on an enemy destroyer.

 

In the early hours demolition teams at Tjepoe, Java start to destroy the oil installations in order to deny it to the enemy.

 

Two Hudsons followed up by 6 Blenheims attack enemy ships and landing craft at night to the north of Java. The mission is repeated by the remaining Hudson and 4 Blenheims. An enemy transport is hit by the bombs of the Hudson, the resulting fire lighting up the area for miles. One Blenheim crew also claiming a direct hit on an transport after a low level attack. A third mission is less succesfull due to clouds. The Hudson damaged by enemy fire performing a crash landing back at Kalidjati.

At first light Brewsters and Hurricanes take over the attacks from the bombers. 7 Brewsters from Andir attack vessels west of Cheribon. First they dive bomb releasing the 50Kg bombs followed by strafing. One Brewster is hit in the wing by AA. It will be handed over for repairs back at Andir. A second attack is carried out after refuelling and bombing up. 4 barges are claimed as destroyed and a hit on a landingcraft aswell as a hit on the pier knocking out an enemy AA gun.
A patrol of B-10's also attack the enemy vessels claiming a direct hit and a near miss on two transportships.

 

Hurricanes (605 and 242 Sqns) from Tjililitan follow up with strafing attacks on enemy troops on the beach and barges. Pilot F/O Sharp's plane is hit, later reported MIA. After a couple of hours another attack is carried out by Sqn's 242 and 605. Pilot Mc Intosh returning with damage (to the hydraulic system). One section runs into an F1M floatplane and this is duly attacked. Sgt Young claiming it destroyed. Sgt Kelly spotting some camouflaged floatplanes at the coastline after his attack runs and setting one alight. A third mission is carried out in the morning, attacking targets at the coast and inland an enemy column. The plane of Sgt Young being hit by enemy fire resulting in a belly landing. The Brewsters meanwhile are ordered to standby for the army although orders are not coming.
Britisch Hurricanes carry out two missions in the afternoon. Attacking first at the coast and then flying armed rec inland. Three F1M's are spotted and attacked and an enemy bicycle column stopped. Another Hurricane section finds an F1M in the air claiming it destroyed. 5 Brewsters follow up with the bombs dropped over the beachhead and rec patrols carried out inland. Enemy troops however are not observed on the roads.

The airfield of Kalidjati is suddenly under attack around 10:30am by 6 enemy tankettes followed by troops. A number of Hudsons still being able to take off quickly and relocate to Andir.

 

Dornier Do 24 X 16 (under repair) is lost when the hangar at Tandjong Priok collapses during an attack.
A number of navy planes relocate from Surabay to Lengkong (some PBY's, Fokker T.IV's and C.Xw's). With the PBY's leaving for Australia the next day. The older Fokker planes destroyed by the groundcrews.

March 2nd
In the early morning 10 B-10's attack enemy vessels west of Cheribon. Later four Hurricanes (Sqn 242) attack the beachhead and inland a motorised column with a number of vehicles left burning. Four Brewsters are up next and first attack with the bombs followed by strafing. Meanwhile KNIL troops moving towards Kalidjati (to try and recapture it) are covered by two Curtiss Interceptors in the morning. No enemy planes are encountered. The troops are not able to get into an attack position however and Kalidjati will remain in enemy hands.
Another four Hurricanes of Sqn 242 perform an armed rec. towards the western enemy landings. Spotting an enemy column on the road to Serang (made up of horse drawn wagons) this is attacked. Later three Hurricanes fly an armed rec. over the road from Bantam to Serang. Attacking enemy troops one Hurricane is forced to belly land in a rice paddy with the pilot returning to his unit on March 6th.
As in the previous day a number of rec. missions are flown by Curtiss CW-22's in order to spot the enemy advance over roads. One machine receiving light damage during strafing.
Hurricanes later fly a second mission in pairs. Some strafing the beachhead and enemy troops on roads. Four Hurricanes at Tjililitan remain at standby. Later scrambled they attack four Ki-27's, claiming one destroyed.

 

Around 10am 4 Brewsters and 2 Interceptors from Andir attack enemy troops at the beachhead, on the roads none are observed. Meanwhile a B-10 is ordered to Kalidjati to land at the retaken airfield. However nothing is heard from the crew and a Brewster is also sent over. The pilot observing an empty Kalidjati and after landing suddenly finds himself under fire. Quickly taking off again he signals Andir that the field is still occupied by the enemy. Another Brewster meanwhile is send out over the Java sea to search for further enemy vessels. None are found.

Andir airfield later coming under attack by enemy fighters (two B-10's and a Koolhoven FK 51 damaged). With a number of Brewsters and two Interceptors scrambled. One Brewster pilot dogfighting with an Ki-43 between the clouds. He lands back at Andir with a damaged rudder.

In the evening two B-10's attack Kalidjati. The first bomber being able to hit a number of parked Ki-43's and the second a transport plane

 

Dutch MTB designed and build by Surabaya naval yard. Powered by Lorraine engines formerly used on Dornier Wal's according to one source.

Edited March 2, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

March 3rd
A B-10 from Andir flies two missions in the early morning to Indramajoe attacking the enemy transportships. Both times a direct hit is observed with light damage received by AA fire. Two other B-10's attack the occupied airfield of Kalidjati. One Interceptor providing escort (a second one missiing the rendez-vous point because of the weatherconditions). The fighter strafing a hangar with enemy troops while the B-10's drop 18 50Kg bombs hitting two AA guns. 5 Brewsters and 6 Hurricanes take off to attack the airfield aswell. Due to the weatherconditions only two Brewsters and a Hurricane are able to arrive in the area and attack the field. A number of Blenheims are strafed and a Ki-21. Two B-10's quickly follow dropping bombs on the hangars.
Another two B-10's set out to perform an rec. mission. At Pamanoekan enemy vessels are observed. Kalidjati is then also attacked with one bomber shot down by AA. Only the gunner surviving by succesfully taking to his parachute.

Hurricanes are ordered to attack Kalidjati later in the morning finding (recently arrived) enemy planes on the airfield. Strafing attacks are carried out and 12 enemy bombers are claimed damaged. Two Hurricanes come under attack from a number of Ki-43's and one is lost with its pilot succesfully taken to his parachute. The enemy losing a Ki-43.

 

Andir comes under attack a little later by Ki-43's, G4M's and Ki-48's with a number of B-10's and Hudsons damgaged.
4 Brewsters and an Interceptors scramble whilst the recently returned Hurricanes are waiting to be refuelled. During the climb enemy fighters dive down
and the Brewsters make there way out by diving and landing at Pameungpeuk imstead of Andir. However the Brewsters find themselves strafed by Ki-43's soon after and one is a total loss. A Blenheim is also hit and burnd out. The Interceptor meanwhile is hit in the wing by friendly AA, the pilot takes to his parachute succesfully. One Ki-43 is damaged by a Zero and makes an emergency landing at Kalidjati.
 

The flying camp at Tandjong Priok is demolished by KNIL troops including PBY Catalina Y 48.

Edited March 3, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

March 4th
Four Vildebeests (36 Sqn) from Tjikembar carry out a night attack on Kalidjati (in the morning the machines are relocated to Tasikmalaja). 2 B-10's also fly a night attack mission against the occupied field. Results are not observed. Another two B-10's are sceduled to follow up these attacks with one machine having technical difficulties and not taking off as a result. The other machine taking off and upon reaching the target area spotting enemy fighters over the airfield and turning back to Andir.
3 Hurricanes fly an armed rec to spot enemy troop movements. On the way back Kalidjati is strafed. The airfield is full of enemy planes. A second attack with 7 Hurricanes is carried out later in the morning with a number of enemy planes being damaged. Sqn 242 then relocates from Tjililitan to Andir with 4 remaining Hurricanes (Tjililitan is then demolished with the remaining planes destroyed). Around this time Britisch groundcrews witness a scene of two Hurricanes returning with an enemy fighter on their tails. However not a shot is fired and after some turning the Hurricanes land and the Ki-43's flying away. With the fight not going well on Java the groundcrews wonder if the enemy wants to capture these Hurricanes intact.

 

Two Brewsters from Pamanpeuk return to Andir later flying a rec. mission and setting fire to an enemy truck. On stand-by thereafter orders to support the army do not come forth.

 

The two radar stations of the RAF are dismantled (situated to the west and east of Batavia resp.).

 

PBY Catalina Y 66 is lost during an enemy attack on Tjilatjap harbor.

[Heliopause]

March 5th
4 Vildebeests (36 Sqn) carry out two night attacks on Kalidjati reporting the outbreak of fires. A B-10 also sets out arriving in the target area at first light. Enemy fighters are already patrolling over Kalidjati however and after a short chase the bomber is shot down with the pilot killed. Two B-10's from Andir also set out to attack the occupied airfield but find it covered by clouds. The B-10's returning with the bombs on board. Two Hurricanes are up to act as escort but the rendez-vous is unsuccesfull. Meanwhile three Ki-48's attack Andir with one B-10 a total loss and another damaged. Tasikmalaja is attacked in the afternoon with two Vildebeests going up in flames.
The Hurricanes and Brewsters are on stand-by the rest of the day for the army but no orders are received.

 

The first Douglas DB-7B bomber for the navy is completed after frantic work during the last few days. It is flown from Tjilatjap harbor to Tasikmalaja airfield by pilot

H.V. Burgerhout (at Tjilatjap a road along the harbour sheds is used as a runway). Shortly thereafter Tjilatjap is attacked for the second time with enemy bombers hitting the port facilities and a number of steamers.

 

P/O Burgerhout is seen here (second from left) as Commander of Sqn 320 (Dutch) in June 1944 at Dunsfold, Great Britain. On December 17th 1941 he gave chase to a "Mavis"  flying boat whilst at the controls of Dornier Do 24 X30 at Ternate with both planes receiving damage. On the 23rd he participated in an attack on Davao, Philippinnes. Making his way to Australia by Catalina flying boat shortly before the surrender of Java and after spending time in the USA (at Corpus Christi getting the grips on Catalina ampfibians) he arrived in Britain at the end of 1943.. In the summer of 1944 he became for a while stafofficer to Vice Marshal Sir  Basil Embry. He later continued with Sqn 320 taking part in operation Market Garden and flying 80 operational missions until the end of the year. At the end of the war in Europe he followed a course at the Empire Test Pilot School. After the war he flew in the Berlin Airlift and ended his flyingcareer with the Fokker company flying the Fokker F.27 prototype, totalling some 12000 flying hours. He received a DSO, Croix the Guerre (Belgian) and the Militaire Willemsorde (Dutch). 

Edited March 5, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

March 6th
The last of four Hudsons (Sqn 1 RAAF) flies out of Java to Port Hedland, Australia. For extra range cans of fuel are emptied through a hose into the wingtank during flight. At Tjilatjap harbor remaining aircrews await transport.

The remaining four Vildebeests carry out a final night-attack on the airfield of Kalidjati.

With 3 operational Hurricanes left Sqn 242 moves from Andir to Tasikmalaya. Brewsters are on standby at Andir but orders from KNIL HQ are not received.

 

PBY Catalina Y 65 at Tjilatjap (repaired during the last few days) flies out to Broome, Autralia early in the morning. Another PBY formerly from PatWing 10 is patched up and later also is able to leave for Broome.

 

Dutch submarine K XII at Surabaya Naval base sets sail to Fremantle, Australia (with the naval base itself already mostly destroyed by demolition).

Edited March 6, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

March 7th
With its three remaining Hurricanes Sqn 242 at Tasikmalaja is stood down. The airfield is attacked in the morning resulting in two B-10's destroyed and a third damaged.

The two remaing Vildebeests set out to Burma. The effort ending on Sumatra's westcoast with emergency landings.

 

PBY Catalina Y 45 departs lake Tjileuntja leaving Java for Padang, Sumatra. The next day it will reach the cocos islands. Hitting a reef after landing it takes cement and help from locals to get the plane patched up. Three days later continuing towards Perth, Australia in an 14 hour flight.

 

4 Brewsters are sent out to Lembang (north of Bandoeng) from Andir in the afternoon to strafe enemy troops and give some relief to friendly groundforces. The two Brewsters giving topcover attack a "Lily" near Lembang before engaging a number of Ki-43's. The two leading Brewsters are able to start a strafing attack but are then chased by Ki-43's. Three Brewsters make it back to Andir by using cloudcover. One losing a wheel and groundlooping during landing.
The Commander Van Helsdingen reported MIA (having previously flown missions from Kallang, Singapore and Samarinda II, Borneo).
 

Edited March 7, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

March 8th
The last planes leave Java from Bandoeng (from a road made airstrip) before dawn. The last DC-3 from KNILM (Dutch East Indies Airlines) flies to Port Hedland. Three Lodestars and a single B-10 (fitted with an extra fueltank) also set out to Australia.
Dornier Do 24 X24 leaves for Broome ending up 200 miles to the south at Wallal. After arranging refuelling it carries on to Perth and Rathmines (at the latter the flightschool from Java in the proces of starting up).

 

Surrender talks are held between KNIL and Japanese commanders at Kalidjati. Complete surrender is demanded or the city of Bandoeng will be bombed by the Japanese. Under threat of this reprisal KNIL commander Ter Poorten gives a radio speach about unconditional surrender although he has no authority to (and initially does not) sign the surrender document. Ter Poorten and Gov. Gen. Tjarda van Starkenborgh will become POW's.  Lt. Gov. Gen. Van Mook given the order by Van Starkenborgh to leave for Australia. Van Mook doing so onboard the last KNILM DC-3 flying out of Java.

 

Sqn 242's last Hurricanes at Tasikmalaya are destroyed by groundcrew.

 

KNIL Commander H. ter Poorten was no stranger to flying being the first Dutch Army officer to gain a pilot license in 1911 (even before that a balloon pilot license). In 1915  he travelled to the USA to purchase suitable airplanes for the military in the Dutch East Indies arriving back with Glenn TA's and TT's (the latter with floats). Ter Poorten is seen here as a young Lt. posing in front of a machine probably at Priok.

[Heliopause]

March 9th
Surrender of the Dutch East Indies comes into affect. Some pilots try to leave the island and captivity. Missing a flight on a PBY Catalina towards Australia Vaandrig (officer candidate) Pelder moves towards Pamaunpeuk airfield. Lockheed 212 planes are parked there formely used on the flightschool at Kalidjati. Arriving there he finds the planes already damaged by KNIL troops. However one plane is still up on its legs. It misses the battery and although damaged at the tail Pelder consideres it repairable. Joined by two Aussie groundcrew and a Kiwi pilot who flew Hurricanes over Djakarta the men set to work. A fuel tank has to be installed to give the plane the necessary range. Through a side window a hose is placed in the filler gap of the left wing. 20L cans are taken onboard to top up the extra tank during flight. In the early morning the work is pretty much done although the tailwheel can not be locked. As news filters through more personell come over and try to convince Pelder that he has to take them with him. But he already made up his mind to take the Aussies and the New Zealander. Finally one more Australian is taken aboard. After a groundrun of the engines they inspect the runway. For the take-off run fresh bombcraters have to be avoided (created during the night by demolition works). After a tricky take-off it takes about ten minutes before he can select wheels up simply because its his first time he flies a Lockheed.

As planned they fly towards Medan on Sumatra as a stopover for the flight to Ceylon. After many hours of flying and handpumping fuel over they reach Medan. Enemy troops have not reached this part of Sumatra yet. The flight is continued on March 11th with another stop at Lho Nga near Kotaradja. With its arrival already communicated the plane is quickly camouflaged after landing (as also happened at Medan, necessary as enemy planes occasionally overfly the airfields to search for the presents of (Dutch) planes. After refuelling and taking aboard new cans of fuel the flight is continued as quick as possible. The first take-off run has to be aboarded with the wind coming from the rear. Coming to a stop with the swivelling tailwheel and part of a groundloop gives a hairy moment. Turning into the wind the next run is succesfull and with fear of being attacked by an enemy fighter at any moment Pelder keeps the plane low. After anxious minutes he gains some height and puts the engines on cruise. Crossing the ocean with a heading of 300 the New Zaelander shouts "land" after some ten hours of flying (and handpumping at intervals). Flying overland and avoiding a rainfront another sea is spotted later concluding they are indeed over Ceylon island. With twilight setting in they reach Colombo. Dark quickly starts to set in and they are still unable to locate an airfield. However a Hurricane is then spotted and quickly followed. Just in time the men are able to land making it to Ceylon. Pelder later joining a group of Dutch pilots at Bangalore, India who have just collected the first B-25C's that arrived via the western ferry route.

 

March 19th
The first Japanese troops arrive at the airfield of Samarinda II, Borneo with most of the KNIL troops going into captivity. However small groups withdraw in the jungle to keep up a fight. One group holding out until April 1943 with the help of a local Dayak tribe. The airfield itself will not see any further use although a small group of Japanese crew will remain to carry out basic maintenance on the field so it can be used as an emergency landingground.

 

The Lockheed used by Pelder seen here at Ceylon in March 1942. It will later operate under the RAF (as LV762).

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today]Mine Warfare Vessel Abraham Crijnssen reaches Freemantle Australia.

 

"Only Abraham Crijnssen succeeded in escaping, and only by sailing close to the coast at night and hiding, camouflaged with trees and foliage, by day. She eventually reached Fremantle on 20 March 1942. She was the last vessel to successfully escape from Java."

Camo used to hide

 

 

"After the war ABRAHAM CRIJNSSEN returned to the Netherlands East Indies, then sailed home to Holland. It was decommissioned in 1961 and donated to the Sea Cadet Corps in The Hague. In 1995 ABRAHAM CRIJNSSEN was donated to the Dutch Naval Museum at Den Helder where it was returned to its wartime configuration. It remains afloat and on display as a memorial to the courage of the Royal Dutch Navy during World War II with its links to the RAN. "

[Heliopause]

March 28th
The last KNIL troops on Sumatra surrender at Koetatjane (Northern Sumatara). Some 2000 men under the command of R.T. Overakker.

 

On Java a number of captured Allied machines are made ready for testing. Some will find there way to Japan.

 

Brewster fighter plane with its engine running. Other planes visible are a Hudson (RAAF), Grumman Goose, B-10 and DB-7B.

 

Captured DB-7B. Remains of the machine are found at the end of the war at Atsugi.

 

One DC-5 from KNILM (Dutch East Indies Airlines) was also captured and made it to Japan. At the end of the war found at Haneda.

 

Dutch Navy Ryan trainers had been shipped to Australia on time. The KNIL acted to late and a number of examples where captured intact.

Edited March 28, 2022 by Heliopause

[cardboard_killer]

7 hours ago, Heliopause said:

Some 2000 men under the command of R.T. Overakker.

 

General Overakker will be executed 9-Jan-1945 by the Japanese, along with other KNIL officers.

 

 

 

 

[Heliopause]

April 1st
FakFak (New Guinea) is occupied. Enemy planes drop pamphlets with the message not to destroy anything or death by excecution will follow. Also the order to raise a white flag or strafing attacks will be carried out.
 

Edited April 1, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

April 2nd
Babo (New Guinea) is occupied. (a group of 200 KNIL soldiers had been stationed there to guard the oil installations. After carrying out demolition works at the end of January the group was then transported to Australia in Februari).

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "• Lieutenant Richard Antrim, former Executive Officer of the destroyer USS Pope (sunk on March 1st), is in a Japanese POW camp on Makassar when he observes an Allied prisoner being dragged out and beaten with a hawser by Japanese guards. When it becomes obvious that the beating is to be a fatal one, he intervenes and offers to take the victim’s place. A Japanese officer indicates that the punishment will stop, and prisoners report a general improvement of treatment after this incident. Richard Antrim will be awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman after his liberation.

 

Commander Richard Antrim after the war."

[Cybermat47]

4 minutes ago, cardboard_killer said:

[80 years ago today] "• Lieutenant Richard Antrim, former Executive Officer of the destroyer USS Pope (sunk on March 1st), is in a Japanese POW camp on Makassar when he observes an Allied prisoner being dragged out and beaten with a hawser by Japanese guards. When it becomes obvious that the beating is to be a fatal one, he intervenes and offers to take the victim’s place. A Japanese officer indicates that the punishment will stop, and prisoners report a general improvement of treatment after this incident. Richard Antrim will be awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman after his liberation.

 

Sources I can find identify the POW as Lt.(jg) Allan Jack Fisher, (SC), another crewman of the Pope.

 

Another story I found about Antrim; apparently, when the prisoners were ordered to dig trenches for protection from air attacks, he suggested changes to the layout of the trenches that the Japanese accepted. Unknown to them, however, his changes resulted in the trenches taking the shape of a giant 'U' and 'S', which may have saved the prisoners from being accidentally bombed by their own aircraft.

[Heliopause]

April 12th
Ternate and Halmaheira are occupied (on the latter a small number of KNIL men retreat in the jungle with some holding out till December).

 

Manokwari (New Guinea) is also occupied. 70 men of KNIL retreat to a camp near the coast 100Km south of Manokwari. A number of depots in the mountains with ammo, food and medical supplies are used to hold out. Later in the year the group will see 4 extra arrivals. 3 US soldiers from the Phillippines and a Philippino soldier (with one US soldier dying shortly therafter of wounds) arrive with the help of local tribesmen (Papoea's). Mid November sees an ambush on the camp by Japanese soldiers and 4 men are lost (with 8 men already lost previously). The rest then moves west to make a new camp. Trekking 100Km takes them a month through thick jungle losing another 7 men along the way. Arriving in Jan '43 the group then consists of 42 men (incl 8 bearers). Malaria and dysentry weaken the survivors.
Local tribes are unreliable but still some attacks are made against enemy posts at the coast and even at a schooner that sails over the river along side the camp.

April 18th '44 this camp is also attacked by the enemy. 4 men escape plus some that are out on a patrol. A group of 17 reach a pre determined location. Another 3 men are lost incl. the last US and Philippino soldier. 10 will then remain together with 4 moving to Sansapor. September '44 sees NEI parachutists being dropped into the area to try and make contact with the KNIL survivors. With the help of local tribesmen this is succesfull and the survivors (13) are taken by airplane from an make-shift airstrip to Hollandia later in the month ending a 2,5 year survival in the jungle of New Guinea.

Edited April 12, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

April 20th
Hollandia (New Guinea) is occupied. A group of local field police is on patrol and stays in the jungle (incl. a radio set). 300Km to the SW they set up camp. They will start moving up river in June to reach another Dutch KNIL group in the jungle but through radio comms are told in code a plane will pick them up at their own location so they return. On august 21st this happens when a US PBY Catalina lands on the river. A Dutch observer is onboard telling the group that for three times he tried to reach them in a Dornier Do 24. The group is flown over to Merauke at New Guinea's south end (Merauke remaining unoccupied during the war).

 

The other group under command of De Bruijn (he already spent time in the New Guinea jungle since 1939) collects data from the surrounding territory (through local tribes/fisher men) and occasionally sends these incl. weather rapports to the Allies. The innitial camp near the Wissel meren (Paniai lake) has to be abandoned in the second half of May '43 as enemy troops start to occupy the area. During February '44 they are aided by a small party parachuted in (with a new radio set). At the end of July '44 this group will be picked up and taken out by a Dutch PBY Catalina.

 

Dornier Do 24 "X 24" was the last Do 24 to be operated by the Dutch (out of Sydney-Rose Bay).

 

Dornier Do 24 as X 24 in the Museum at Soesterberg, Holland (a former Spanisch machine used in the SAR role into the 1960's).

Edited April 20, 2022 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

July 6th
At night the small yacht "Pieternel" sets out of Batavia, Java with the three men Van der Veen (KNIL Captain), Stokhuizen and Van der Star (KNIL Lt./res). After 31 days they will reach Rodriquez, a tiny island to the east of Mauritius. They are able to give some news about the situation on Java. Woman and children are put together in parts of town or in camps, banks are closed and business life has come to an end. Through Kenia and Ceylon they will reach Australia. Van der Veen was no stranger in getting out of imprisonment as was Van der Star to sailing.

 

Van der Veen had become an KNIL officer and was stationed in the Dutch East Indies during the thirties. In 1939 he had returned to Holland for a military study. Mobilised in September he was part of the staf of 8 division at the Grebbeberg-line. After the surrender he became imprisoned in Germany (Oflag VIII C-Juliusburg) from where he escaped on april 6th 1941 succesfully making it into Switserland. Through Portugal he travelled to Bandung, Java. Mobilised in December 1941 he was stationed on Java at Tjilatjap facing a second surrender in March '42. After the surrender the three men got into contact with eachother whilst staying at Bandung.

 

Van der Star had already sailed during the thirties on the yacht "Quebeq Ptarmigan" at the age of 17 to 20, the last year as its captain. After the surrender he started to work out a plan to sail out of captivity since he had a small yacht at Batavia (It later turned out this had sunk but another small yacht was found; "Pieternel" around 7 meters in length). After repairs and the fitting of a watertank the date to sail was finally set on July 6th. Postwar he emigrated to the USA founding a company in aluminium window frames (on the New York stock exchange as International Aluminium Corporation from 1978 to 2007).

[cardboard_killer]

[80 Years Ago Today] "• The isolated Australians of “Sparrow Force” on Timor cluster around their radio when they find that they are able to pick up the transmissions from and later see planes from a raid on Dili by the US 22nd Bomb Group. They listen to the flight leaders giving instructions and the replies from his pilots; as the last plane comes in for its bomb run the pilot is heard to say “bombs away” followed by “port engine hit by flak”. The damaged plane falls out of formation and the flight leader urges “come on Hitchcock, make formation”. As his plane limps along Hitchcock is heard to call “Zeros on my tail, Zeros on my tail!” The Australians watch as the dogfight takes the planes south towards Darwin, and eventually out of their sight.

 

B-26 of the 22nd Bombardment Group over Timor

 

- The following day, no longer able to resist, the Australians will ask on the USAAF net, “Did Hitchcock make it?” It will take several hours for the Americans to decide who they are and to reply, “Thanks Diggers. Hitchcock made it. Crash landed on Bathurst Island.”

 

- Members of Sparrow Force later relate that the effect of this action on the troops on Timor was immeasurable in lifting their morale, for the first time in months they felt they are not alone in the fight against the Japanese on Timor.

 

{The reply was a bit of disinformation to prevent the Japanese from interfering with air-sea rescue operations, but Captain Charles Hitchcock and his crew did make it, ditching in the Timor Sea and being rescued}"

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "• Australian minesweeping corvette Armidale is bringing supplies and Dutch reinforcements to Sparrow Force on Timor when she is attacked by Japanese aircraft. Five bombers come in first and miss. A second wave of five fighters and nine torpedo planes then make an attack run. Armidale is hit by two torpedoes, one of which explodes under the mess deck, killing many of the soldiers aboard.

HMAS Armidale

 

- As the ship is settling and the men evacuate into the water, the fighters begin strafing swimmers and life rafts. Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean stops preparing to abandon ship himself and straps himself to the aft Oerlikon 20mm cannon and begins to fire on the Japanese aircraft. He downs one plane and forces the other to switch from attacking survivors to silencing his gun. He is reportedly wounded, but keeps firing until the water closes over the gun mount. Witnesses report seing tracers being fired underneath the surface.

 

- Forty crew and sixty soldiers are lost in the sinking. Most of the rest are rescued, except for one raft with survivors which is spotted from the air on December 8th. Minesweeping corvette Kalgoorlie searches but they are never found.

 

The raft of Armidale survivors that is never seen again

 

- Many of the survivors credit their lives to Sheean and he is posthumously Mentioned in Despatches. In 1999, submarine HMAS Sheean will be named in his honour, the first named for an enlisted man. In 2020 Queen Elizabeth II will award Sheean a posthumous Victoria Cross after an Australian commission recommends it, noting that Sheean's valour had been unduly overlooked. He is the only RAN rating to be so awarded.

 

Edward Sheean and family in 1941"

 

 

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "• Dutch submarine O-24 lands a shore party of ten Dutch KNIL army personnel to conduct a detailed reconnaissance of northern Sumatra."

 

[Heliopause]

18th Jan
Today sees Sqn 18 NEI (Netherlands East Indies) RAAF carry out its first offensive missions. The first patrol of three B-25's goes out searching for enemy shipping around the Tanimbar islands but this proves fruitless. A second patrol bombs the town of Toeal followed by strafing attacks on barracks and buildings. Primary target was enemy shipping around the Kai islands but these where not found.

 

The Squadron was formed in april 1942 after the fall of the Dutch East Indies at Archerfield, Brisbane Australia. It consisted of Dutch and Australian personell. It quickly relocated to the airfield Fairbairn, Canberra for training. A time of waiting for machines to arrive and getting crews trained on the B-25 (as well as getting the logistics of spare parts and maintenance support up and running to name just a few of the challenges to get the Squadron ready).
In December '42 the Squadron moved to McDonald airstrip in the Northern Territory for operations. Arriving there the men quickly found out the airstrip wasn't suited for fully laden B-25's. Drainage, penns and shelters had to be build from scratch.
For operational missions a refuel stop at Darwin has to be made in order to give the necessary range.

 

One of the early deliverd B-25's seen here around April/May 1942 near Canberra on a training flight.

 

The Squadron moved to McDonald airstrip by railroad and road at the end of 1942. A great chance to see the outback!

Edited January 18, 2023 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

19th Jan
Another B-25 patrol (three planes) of Sq 18 NEI carries out a sortie. The mission is to Timor for a search of enemy shipping. None are sighted and the secondary target is then selected (airfield of Fuiloro). Five enemy fighters intercept and one is seen to turn away towards its airfield with smoke trailing. Because of the fight (with the formation turning left and right) and a thick cloudlayer over the target area no bombs are dropped. The bombers move into clouds and all return safely,
first at Darwin followed by the flight to McDonald airstrip.

Edited February 1, 2023 by Heliopause

[Heliopause]

5th Febr
Sqn 18 NEI has carried out a number of missions sincs the 18th of Januari. Today a mission is flown to Dobo, Aru islands by an 8-ship formation in order to attack buildings and installations. Fierce fires are seen to break out as a result. There are no enemy fighters intercepting nor is there AA fire over the target area. However during the start of the mision one B-25 is lost as it hits trees shortly after take-off from McDonald airstrip losing the entire crew and mechanics (incl. RAAF Sgt's MacPherson, Walton and Palamountain).

The Squadron lost its first machine during a mission on Jan 31st due to a shortage of fuel. On the return leg from a mission to Timor a message was received of an airraid alarm for Darwin. Changing the heading to McDonald airstrip the B-25 ran short. Pilot De Jongh performed a belly landing on swampy terrain without loss of life.

 

B-25 piloted by De Jongh seen here as it rests. For the first 4 days the crew  stayed with the machine using parachutes over the tail as make-shift mosquito nets. Finally trekking their way to civilization when supplies became low they where picked up by a raft crewed by two aboriginals and a sportive Aussie from McDonald airstrip. It would take almost a week for the crew to get back to base.

 

Edited February 7, 2023 by Heliopause