Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 29:46-31:28

Could Force Z make Java Sea a larger battle?

A question about Force Z becoming the core of ABDACOM opens a counterfactual in which stronger Allied reinforcement changes the scale of the Java Sea fight.

ABDA CommandAlternate HistoryBattle Of The Java SeaForce ZRoyal Navy
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Question

How might the Java Sea campaign change if Force Z, rather than being lost, formed the core of ABDACOM?

Short answer

A surviving Force Z could attract additional Allied ships and force Japan to prepare for a much larger surface or carrier battle.

Notes

Prince of Wales, Repulse, their cruisers, and Admiral Tom Phillips could make the coalition far stronger than the historical Java Sea force. Prince of Wales would badly overmatch the Japanese cruisers available for the historical engagement. That credible center could attract British carriers and more American ships. Japan would need time and heavier forces, possibly including carriers, to contest the Java Sea.