An international team of divers has set out to find the wrecks of several Dutch warships that sank during World War II, including the HNLMS De Ruyter.
An international team of divers has set out to find the wrecks of several Dutch warships that sank during World War II, including the HNLMS De Ruyter.
The Netherlands Institute of Military History
Cruiser HNLMS Java was sunk during the Battle of the Java Sea on February 27, 1942.
Cruiser HNLMS Java was sunk during the Battle of the Java Sea on February 27, 1942.
Netherlands Museum of Military History
HNLMS De Ruyter was also downed that day, killing 235 of 437 crew members.
HNLMS De Ruyter was also downed that day, killing 235 of 437 crew members.
Netherlands Museum of Military History
Other navies also lost ships in Indonesia. British heavy cruiser HMS Exeter sank on 1 March 1942 after a battle with Japanese cruisers off Java.
Other navies also lost ships in Indonesia. British heavy cruiser HMS Exeter sank on 1 March 1942 after a battle with Japanese cruisers off Java.
US Naval History and Heritage Command
The HMAS Perth, a Royal Australian Navy light cruiser was sunk in the Battle of the Sunda Strait on March 1, 1942.
The HMAS Perth, a Royal Australian Navy light cruiser was sunk in the Battle of the Sunda Strait on March 1, 1942.
UNKNOWN/Unknown
The US has worked to retrieve ships lost in the Java Sea, including the USS Houston, sunk in February 1942.
The US has worked to retrieve ships lost in the Java Sea, including the USS Houston, sunk in February 1942.
US Naval History and Heritage Command
Representatives from Australia, the US and Indonesia visited the graves of HMAS Perth and USS Houston on the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of the Sunda Strait.
Representatives from Australia, the US and Indonesia visited the graves of HMAS Perth and USS Houston on the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of the Sunda Strait.
US Naval History and Heritage Command
US sailors lower a wreath in the area the ships sank on the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of the Sunda Strait.
US sailors lower a wreath in the area the ships sank on the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of the Sunda Strait.
US Naval History and Heritage Command