The Allied Defense of the Malay Barrier, 1941-1942

Though few realize it, the Netherlands East Indies were the object of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Likewise, their invasions of Guam, Wake Island and the Philippines were mainly diversionary operations to safeguard their main assault on Dutch and British colonies. Since the end of World War I, Japan had coveted the vast East Indies oil reserves, and the colony had feared invasion since Germany overran Holland in May 1940. Isolated politically the weakly defended archipelago was a tempting prize.

The East Indies government initially maintained a strict policy of neutrality while desperately working to build up its military strength. As Japanese actions pushed the region toward war, the Dutch reluctantly embraced closer ties with America and Britain. For a brief period, the East Indies were key players in Pacific War strategy. This book details for the first time in English the Dutch prewar strategy, their efforts to counter Japanese espionage and their sizable though largely forgotten military contribution in the early months of the Pacific War.

1122059831
The Allied Defense of the Malay Barrier, 1941-1942

Though few realize it, the Netherlands East Indies were the object of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Likewise, their invasions of Guam, Wake Island and the Philippines were mainly diversionary operations to safeguard their main assault on Dutch and British colonies. Since the end of World War I, Japan had coveted the vast East Indies oil reserves, and the colony had feared invasion since Germany overran Holland in May 1940. Isolated politically the weakly defended archipelago was a tempting prize.

The East Indies government initially maintained a strict policy of neutrality while desperately working to build up its military strength. As Japanese actions pushed the region toward war, the Dutch reluctantly embraced closer ties with America and Britain. For a brief period, the East Indies were key players in Pacific War strategy. This book details for the first time in English the Dutch prewar strategy, their efforts to counter Japanese espionage and their sizable though largely forgotten military contribution in the early months of the Pacific War.

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The Allied Defense of the Malay Barrier, 1941-1942

The Allied Defense of the Malay Barrier, 1941-1942

by Tom Womack
The Allied Defense of the Malay Barrier, 1941-1942

The Allied Defense of the Malay Barrier, 1941-1942

by Tom Womack

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$29.99 

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Overview

Though few realize it, the Netherlands East Indies were the object of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Likewise, their invasions of Guam, Wake Island and the Philippines were mainly diversionary operations to safeguard their main assault on Dutch and British colonies. Since the end of World War I, Japan had coveted the vast East Indies oil reserves, and the colony had feared invasion since Germany overran Holland in May 1940. Isolated politically the weakly defended archipelago was a tempting prize.

The East Indies government initially maintained a strict policy of neutrality while desperately working to build up its military strength. As Japanese actions pushed the region toward war, the Dutch reluctantly embraced closer ties with America and Britain. For a brief period, the East Indies were key players in Pacific War strategy. This book details for the first time in English the Dutch prewar strategy, their efforts to counter Japanese espionage and their sizable though largely forgotten military contribution in the early months of the Pacific War.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781476622675
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date: 12/01/2015
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 368
File size: 17 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Tom Womack is the director of public relations for a leading global provider of community management services and has written more than 50 magazine articles. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.
Tom Womack is the director of public relations for a leading global provider of community management services and has written more than 50 magazine articles. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Introduction
1. Trade Wars
2. Build-Up to War
3. Spies, Lies and Secret Ties
4. On the Edge of Darkness
5. The Fleet Plan of 1940
6. The East Indies Squadron
7. The MLD
8. Command and Control
9. The Deployment of Force Z
10. The Japanese Land
11. The Formation of ABDA
12. Japan Declares War
13. Balikpapan and Sinkawang II
14. The Japanese Move South
15. The Formation of the Combined Striking Force
16. The Battle of Banka Strait
17. The Inglorious End of ABDA
18. The Destruction of Port Darwin
19. Fire in the Night: The Loss of Bali and Timor
20. The Japanese Move Against Java
21. “In the afterlife, Sonny”
22. “We spanked the Japs … and we’ll do it again!”
23. “We will lead you to the enemy”
24. The Battle Begins
25. The Withdrawal of Exeter
26. “Bravely but not very skillfully”
27. Aftermath
28. Hopeless Fights
29. The Final Line of Defense
30. Evacuation
31. The Evacuation of Tandjoeng Priok
32. “What art thou Faustus, but a man condemned to die?”
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
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