Admiral Helfrich RNN, Captain Waller RAN, Captain Rooks USN& the Loss of HMAS Perth and USS Houston

摘要

The individual with the greatest responsibility for the loss of HMAS Perth and USS Houston was a Dutch admiral who was in overall command of all Allied warships during the Battle of the Java Sea (27 February 1942) and Battle of the Sundra Strait (28 February 1942 to 1 March 1942). Admiral Helfrich, born in Java, undoubtedly felt closer emotional ties to the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) than he did to distant Holland.