[TorpX]

Originally Posted by Armistead

I'm currently reading "The Battle of the Java Sea." It's amazing to see the plans of both sides regarding this campaign. The US/British/Dutch knew it was probably coming, had several meetings on what to do when it happened, but failed to address it. It was clear all assets should've been removed, that the naval battles were in vain and a waste of life and ships. The battles may have served some delaying purpose if there was a mass plan to reinforce Singy, Borneo, Timor, Java, etc.... There was no plan, no hope of success to do so.

I haven't read anything devoted to the battle, but I did read Capt. Hara's account of it in JAPANESE DESTROYER CAPTAIN. It seemed like a sickening, useless slaughter. So many allied ships lost, at negligable cost to the IJN. He compared the Java Sea battle to the Layte Gulf battle, with the positions of the USN and IJN reversed.