In late February 1942 the Australian cruiser Perth and the USS Houston, both survivors from the defeat of the Allied fleet in the Battle of the Java Sea, encountered a Japanese invasion force, with a heav cruiser and destroyer escort, near the entrance to the Sunda Strait. Both cruisers were overwhelmed and sunk in the ensuing engagement. The full story of the Perth’s gallant last battle was told here by McKie for the first time. But it is more that a story of the loss of the ship, following the trials and tribulations of her survivors, many who died in Japanese POW camps. At war’s end only 229 of her complement of almost 700 returned to Australia.
A rare Panther edition cover illustrated by Cy Webb (Reginald Head of Hank Janson fame) This is a vg copy offered for £4.00
Not in Heckmondwike Book Shop 