The cruiser, HMAS HOBART, (CAPT H. L. Howden, RAN), joined an Allied naval striking force at the western end of Java, organized by ABDA, (Australian-British-Dutch-American), but the enemy had carried out landings before the force arrived, so they returned empty-handed to Tanjong Priok, being subjected to heavy air attacks.
HMAS BALLARAT, (minesweeper), rescued 215 survivors from the MV DERRYMORE, which had been sunk by a Japanese submarine 60 miles west of Batavia, (Jakarta). Among those rescued was Flying Officer J. G. Gorton, RAAF, who was later to become Minister for the Navy, and Prime Minister of Australia.