Expecting only friendly patrol craft, the two Allied cruisers encountered the western Java invasion convoy and its powerful screen while attempting to escape toward Java's south coast. A Japanese destroyer opened with nine Long Lance torpedoes at roughly 3,000 yards, while other cruisers and destroyers closed around the Allied ships. Perth's roughly three-inch belt offered a useful comparison with Houston's lighter protection in a close night action. The Allied cruisers fought hard enough that Japanese torpedoes missed them and damaged friendly transports, but both captains were killed and the surviving crew members entered captivity.
Chapter · 58:37-1:03:12
Houston and Perth's outnumbered night fight at Sunda Strait
Houston and Perth unexpectedly entered a Japanese invasion convoy and fought an overwhelming cruiser-and-destroyer force at close range.