The Loss of Java: The Final Battles for the Possession of Java Fought by Allied Air, Naval and Land Forces in the Period 18 February-7 March 1942

The usual narrative for the fall of Java is about Dutch and allied incompetence, weakness against superior Japanese forces and a hint of a lack of courage of allied forces. This resets that narrative into a more complex interplay of factors and forces. The courage of the allied forces is clear, there was stiff resistance but they were overwhelmed by superiors forces, better logistics and being at the end of a supply chain that was too thin. The overall feeling is one of holding action by time for the withdrawal of allied forces. It’s a fascinating insight into this often overlooked campaign.

On first look this is an important book. Gives the full story of loss of Java. I believe most of the story is not previously available in English. P C Boer is to be congratulated on what must have been a prodigious research effort. A balanced account and summary with interesting conclusions.

The book is quite interesting. This book shines a light on the early days of WW2 in the Pacific, during the defense of the Malay Barrier.

I just began reading it. I had to put it down. It seems just a bit to involved and complicated to read. Much too much involvement in the minute by minute detail. There is a brief rendering which gives the reader the opportunity to read portions likened to a synopsis. This will be my approach to reading and finishing this book.

About everything I have ever read about WWII history in the pacific has stated the Japanese quickly captured Java. This book is a detailed account about the defense of Java. The Dutch, British, and Australians simply did not surrender, they fought hard in many instances in the air and on the ground. However, the allies were dealing with limited resources and outdated equipment. If you want to no more about the fall of Java and want to have a more detailed knowledge of this often looked portion of the Pacific war then this book is for you.

Extremely enlightening! Very few sources of this embarrasing WW-II capitulation by the Dutch East Indies Allies.