Java
1939
(Argonaut 640)
(Upgraded by Paul Jacobs)
- Class: Java - 2 cruisers of 1915
- Displacement: 6,670 tons standard; 8,208 tons full load
- Dimensions: 473ft 4in (o/a) x 48ft 9in x 18ft 6in
- Machinery: Zoelly geared turbines, 3 shafts, 72,000shp = 31 knots
- Armor: 2in main belt, 3in machinery, 1-2in deck
- Armament: 10-5.9in, 6-40mm, 4-.50cal MG
- Aircraft: 2
- Complement: 525
- Builder: De Schelde, Netherlands
- Laid Down: 31 May 1916
- Launched: 9 Aug 1921
- Completed: 1 May 1925
- Service: After commissioning, Java made a cruise to Norwegian and Swedish waters before sailing for the East Indies in Oct 1925. Made cruises to the Philippines, China, Australia and New Zealand, remaining in the Far East until Mar 1937. On the way home she took part in convoy duties in the Straits of Gibraltar due to the Spanish Civil War. Attended the Spithead Fleet Review in May, then paid off for refit and modernization at Willemsoord. Recommissioned Jan 1938 and sailed for further duties in Spanish waters. Sailed again for the East Indies in May. On outbreak of war with Germany in 1939 she performed convoy duties in the Far East. When the war with Japan began in Dec 1941 she joined the Allied Striking Force under Admiral Doorman. Participated in skirmisheds in the Banka Strait 13/14 Feb 1942, and near Bali 18 Feb where she damaged a Japanese transport. On 27 Feb at the Battle of the Java Sea she was torpedoed by the Japanese cruiser Nachi and sank WSW of Balwean Island.
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