ABDACOM
As part of the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command under Rear Admiral Karel Doorman, RN, "Edwards" engaged the Japanese Java Invasion Force 27 February in the Battle of the Java Sea; this engagement lasted for 7 hours. The Allies suffered a heavy defeat, losing a total of 5 ships in this battle (a further five were sunk in associated actions); the Japanese were able to invade and conquer Java.