Overview:

The attack on Pearl Harbour saw allied naval forces in South East Asia outnumbered and facing the mighty Imperial Japanese Navy. Japanese strategic objectives were the capture of Malaya, Singapore and the Dutch East Indies. Despite British Admiralty warnings Prime Minister Churchill ordered Force Z comprising HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse to Singapore in a forlorn hope of deterring Japanese aggression. Meanwhile existing British, Australian, American and Dutch warships in the area were hurriedly formed into a small fleet that would be hopelessly outclassed against their opponents.

This presentation by Kez Hasanic looks at the gallant but futile allied actions at the start of the war against Japan. The ships and men, the reasons for failure and the lessons learned that would help the allies to eventual victory.

Presenter – Kez Hasanic

 Kez has had a lifelong interest in History and in particular military and naval history. Before retirement in 2018 he served 40 years as a history teacher at Kogarah High School. During that time, he taught several students who would win the NSW Premier’s Award for HSC History, was closely involved with the History Faculty at Sydney University for teacher training and was also involved in creating user scenarios for several historical military and naval computer simulations. Currently Kez is active as a volunteer guide at the Australian National Maritime Museum and recently joined the museum’s speaker’s group. In addition, he is a musician and motoring enthusiast.

Detail –

Date and Time:1100, Wednesday 19^th. June 2024 (Sydney time)

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