Ghosts of Sunda Strait: USS Houston and HMAS Perth

[navyclock]

The USS Houston expended all her munitions during the 1:45 minute night action. She did not take her first hit until an hour into the battle.

She fought viciously for another 45 minutes in close quarters and never stopped fighting.

When she was going down the US Marines stayed in their 5 inch turrets. All they had left to fire was star shells.

The marines kept firing the star shells at the Japanese Ships who were raking the deck with a battery of weapons and machine guns to shoot the USS H

[RougeSniper762]

the Houston and Perth did so much with so little. their crews were true heros

[buttonscraig13]

hmas perth did'nt sink here she survived the war and was decommissioned in 1987 in the navel harbour in Albany Western Australia

[snakes3425]

@buttonscraig13

Different HMAS Perth

[admiraldma]

@buttonscraig13 Think you might find it was a later HMAS Perth named after this one. How would a 1930's vintage cruiser last in service till 1987??

[WELLBRAN]

they should have retired to Australia and waited for enforcements and in any case the dutch on land did not fire a shot at the japanese invasion of Java so rendering the sea battle a waste of time. all in all a fiasco, god bless all of the men who perished...needlessly

[WELLBRAN]

My Father blamed the dutch for not having any plan of action and for the most blame it must have been churchill who insisted on a battle there and then. his inept defence of the far eats was just crazy sending Prince of wales out with one destroyer when she was in no fit state to fight having teething problems in sea trials the BS of thinking the japanese fleet was no good was also crazy, when you consider the Japanese were trained by Britain and USA. Also munitions were supplied by allies

[Tyco200]

Houston w/All her guns/better cruisers on the Australian's side would've costed the Japanese dearly. America had superior cruisers, or at least ballistics and fire control. God Bless ABDACOM - Greatest Sea Made Command of History.

[Frostinferno24]

your first attempt tributing two wrecks at the same time is a great hit

[alizaderic]

One of my uncles was on the Perth. He missed the final sailing due to being in the hospital. Two of his friends sailed with her to Sunda Strait. They survived, were captured and are buried at River Khwai Australian Naval Cemetery were they died as slave laborers of the Japanese building a bridge across the Khwai on the railroad to hell. We remember and do not forget.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

Thanks for this wonderful video. I believe, however, the date is off. As I remember, Feb 27th the KNS "DeRuyter" with Admiral Karel Doorman and "Java" (both Dutch) were sunk, the USS Houston and HMAS Perth on Feb 28th, and HMS York on March 1st. I regret not remembering the destroyers of the Allies who fought so valiantly and were sunk also by the Japanese battleships, cruisers, and aircraft. The Dutch still have a carrier named "Karel Doorman", I believe. This was the four Allies' battle.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@FRAGIORGIO1 I think two of the destroyers were HMS Express and Echo. I'm not sure, but I think two Dutch destroyers were the Witte de With and Evertzson. Some of you out there can help us recall all of those ships with their gallant crews.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@FRAGIORGIO1 Another video about Japanese who saved survivors of HMS Encounter, destroyer of the E class also.

[WELLBRAN]

@FRAGIORGIO1 HMS Encounter and electra also Jupiter blown up by dutch mine

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@WELLBRAN Thank you for your help. I had remembered some "E" class destroyers, but I read about that 50 years ago.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@FRAGIORGIO1 I'm sorry, but it wasn't the York, but the Exeter was sunk on March 1st. The York I remember was sunk in the waters of Crete. My memory pops back now and then.

[WELLBRAN]

@FRAGIORGIO1 HMS York was not there.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@WELLBRAN Yes, I mistakenly said "York" instead of sister ship "Exeter" (of the River Plate battle against Graf Spee). I remembered later, but didn't come back to correct it. Sorry for that. Thanks for the correction. York was sunk in Crete, in 1941 I believe.

[imselein]

Thank you for creating this video. It is beautifully done, very moving, and I like the music accompanying it. My uncle died on this ship March 1, 1942.

[colindominy]

EVERYONE - you should read Aussie journo Mike Carlton's first-class 2010 book "Cruiser : The Life & Loss of HMAS Perth & Her Crew". Carlton gives much wonderful tribute & coverage to the glorious stand of BOTH the Houston + the Perth in the battle, & the tragic loss of so many crewmen of each grand ship. Their captains were grandest of all. Long may we remember them ALL & their valour + courageous duty. And Thankyou snakes3425 for this fabulous tribute that you have put together.

[mikeaugustine751]

definitely not WWII tribute music. Winslow's book was awesome !!, please change the music.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@mikeaugustine751 I feel the music captures the pathos of the tragedy very well. Apparently, there are opinions on both sides of the music.

[poka513]

I enjoyed this video of a WWII story I had not heard about prior to watching. I also liked your choice of music which amplified the video's impact for me. Thanks for the time and effort. I rode US destroyers during the Vietnam War, but nothing like what the WWII swabbies experienced. Till the sea gives up her dead.

[Tiberiotertio]

Nice pictures but the music does not fit.

[navyclock]

The Houston fought for 1 hour and 45 minutes against a far superior Japanese force.

Admiral Hart told the Houstons crew on departing for the Sunda Straight they were being sent out to be slaughtered.

No one new what happened to the Houston until the prisoners were liberated after the war ended

[Detourwa]

Just read 'Arthurs War' a book from one of the survivors of the HMAS Perth. A worthwile read.

[Detourwa]

Just read "Arthurs War" written by one of the surviving Perth Sailors. Could'nt put it down. 

[guy131313131313]

my great uncle Lawrence Kondzela was on the USS Houston and died on the railroad of death.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@guy131313131313  Our sympathies go with you and your family. RIP all the heroes.

[OzzyPatriot]

After the battle. My dad spent years in a POW camp in Sumatra. But he and other survivors didn't get captured for about 6 months as they tried to get back to Australia.

Indonesian lighthouse keepers who gave them shelter Their whole families were later caught and by Japanese for aiding the enemy.. My Dad felt greatly for such things. Wrote a great book.

[Ammo08]

Very impressive..thank you.

[dwayne2005]

Arthur Henry Keisewetter, Distinguished Service Medal.

[dwayne2005]

Apparently held together a broken wire to maintain the HMAS radar system with alternating current passing through him. I don't know enough, never was fully informed about these things. Since there have only been 75 issues of that award in Australia's history, I gather this story isn't an exaggeration. :/

[dwayne2005]

I am suppose to be related to one of the POW's of the HMAS Perth.

[BJBFOREST]

In the Austrlian War Memorial in Canberra, ACT there is a white shirt endorsed with the names of allied servicemen that had been imprisoned by the Japanese. Many signatures are from the survivors of the Perth and Houston.

[Remenents]

scbelle119 - The Captains name for USS Houston on this night was not "Brooks"... it was Albert H. ROOKS... seems you either forgot his name, or you are not telling the whole truth...

[VettecasterLS1]

Captain Rooks was a brilliant ship's Master.

[frankydman]

"For action in the Battle of Sunda Strait. Sunk in action with HMAS Perth against incredible odds. The two ships steamed into a Japanese invasion force and were sunk in the ensuing battle."

USS Houston's Presidential Unit Citiation

[KyleLexington]

God bless American long live the Honor and Valor of thoughs from December 7th, 1941. It was a long day. Long live the men who fought with pure valor for their nations on March 1st, 1942. Both Austrailians and American brothers in arms.

[KyleLexington]

God I love these ships. I realy wish Japan did not do such a cruel and imoral thing such as Pearl Harbor nor the Unit 731. They were truley destroying their culter ruining themselves for this mad man as emperor. They were like animals killing people for no reason... I realy feel pity for thoughs who died at pearl. They should be ashamed of themselves. 3000 American lives had been lost 3 battleships died and nearly over 400 aircraft were strafed by the A6m Mitsubichi Zero or Zeke.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@KyleLexington Actually, the initiative of the war was not of the emperor's making. The Japanese Army leaders invaded Manchuria and China on their own. The emperor was only a spiritual figurehead removed from the reality of politics and government. The Army leaders forced their will on the government and took it over.

[marcofrattini1]

compratevi battlestations pacfic!!!!!!!

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@marcofrattini1 E molto buono, ma ci sono cose non esatte. "Perth" viene rapprasentato per un incrociatore degli stati uniti della classe "Atlanta" (#1). Un cacciatorpediniere britannico viene rapprasentata per uno degli US tipo "Fletcher". Comprai il giuoco per un nipote mio.

[WELLBRAN]

The 85 days after Pearl Harbour and this event were a disgrace. A total shambles. no one can be proud of what happened. Everyone was passing the buck while many perished.

[carsieplg]

snake you should make a tribute to the HMS Neptune her crew where from new zealand she was a leander class light cruiser the same as the hmas perth out of 767 crew 30 survived the sinking and by the time they where picked up 5 days later only one man was alive and to scbelle119 your uncle and the rest of the crew of both ships where the bravest of the brave RIP

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@carsieplg Neptune, Leander, Ajax and Achilles of River Plate fame, and Orion were a similar class to the Perth, but the Aussies had two funnels and the Neptune class had one trunked funnel. Fine-looking ships all. Tribute to their crews.

[scbelle119]

my great uncle was on this ship.... he took over when Brooks was wounded and died... his last command we were always told was to try and ram the Jap ship closest to him... I would love to find out where the author got the pic of the crew.. his name was CMDR Jack Hollowell.. and we lost him that night.. all those heroes..... God Bless them all and the fellow who made this. Thank you from all of us that remember them.

[carsieplg]

looking at hmas perth it was a similer ship to the ship my grandad served on hms penelope arethusa class light cruiser the leander class preceded the arethusa but the only difference is the masts are the same height on the perth the penelope was also sunk of the coast of anzio 1944 with a loss of 415 men great tribute

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@carsieplg The main difference between the Perth and the Penelope was that Perth had eight 6" guns and Penelope had only six. The sister ships of the Perth were Hobart and Sydney, all fine ships, but lightly armored.

[sadwiko]

last week i'm fishing over Perth wreck site.

good wreck as seen on my sonar unit.

lots of fish...current is very strong...

does anybody have link on diving HMAS perth video?

[MGoose66]

No one is blaming anyone. The Dutch were in charge, the Yanks and Ozzies were there to help. We were all on the same side. Things were not easy and no-one was to know that these two ships were to run into the fleet they did. Some would argue they were lucky to get that far. They did there bit though, and we remember them proudly. I shook the hand of a survivor recently from the Perth (and consequently, Changi). He's 90. I'm not ashamed to say I cried. Proud of them all.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@MGoose66 Here's a hand from the USA, my friend. Our deepest respect and thanks to your acquaintance should you see him again. I was moved by your words as well.

[WELLBRAN]

@MGoose66 Royal Navy were "helping" also



[warhammerlotr]

My grandfather was on that ship and was captured by the Japanese. He is still alive and tells me the events that happened. His name is Roy Roberts.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@warhammerlotr Our best regards and thanks to your grandfather for his service. I had a Science teacher in 1951 who had served on the Houston and been a prisoner of war. Unfortunately, I no longer remember his name, but I was impressed by his experience.

[Frostinferno24]

@warhammerlotr thank you for your grandfathers service and i hope he has a long fulfilling life. I remember reading a book about the USS Houston and it mentioned the name Roy Roberts

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@warhammerlotr Hats off to your grandfather. Regards from me and I'm sure from all.

[crpdst2003]

Houston already crippled by air attack.. Rear Turret out of commission... men had to physically move shells and powder from aft magazines to forward turrets to keep on fighting...

[tomanyasses]

my dad was on the northhampton it sank in battle in iron bottom.

[HUNDLEYGUY95]

yea, my uncle was as well, he survived but jus barely, went on the serve on the USS Portland

[tomanyasses]

my dad was on that ship and it went down he was left alone all night butt found a upside life boat and was rescued by pt boat that mourning. he couldnt swim to shore japs were killing all americans they found. he went on to the biggest battle ship

[grl8862]

(Con't) The next night our two ships took on that huge Japanese invasion fleet in the Sunda Straits. We had no hope of winning, but we made a great team, and we certainly gave them hell until our ammunition ran out, and we were sunk. Yes, the survivors of our two ships have been blooded together in battle. I guess these shared experiences do create a special kind of bond. - Harold J. Hill from HMAS Perth (Book - Wind Tracks on the Waters) - Thought I'd add something from someone that was there.

[grazynkagrazynka]

ich als deutscher bedaure sehr die tragäde eure schiffe in ASIEN wir weisse menschen sollen trotz allem zusammen halten danke Alfred from germany

[grl8862]

The friendship between the Perth and the Houston survivors has endured for a very long time, in fact over 50 years. Prior to 1942 we had never heard of USS Houston, and probably they had not heard of HMAS Perth. Then suddenly we found ourselves fighting together in that disastrous Java Sea battle, which ended when only the Perth and Houston remained out of our fleet of 14 ships. - Harold Hill. HMAS Perth (Quote from book Wind Tracks on the Waters)

[HUNDLEYGUY95]

those men were brave, 2 ships vs over 75

[HUNDLEYGUY95]

i found out the jap force was over 50 trans ships, 5 cruisers, 1 light and 4 heavy, and 12 destroyers, with a carrier(Ryujo) to the north but that was not involved in the fight

[mysterj1]

I had the good fortune to meet Leon Rodgers (Lt JG from the Houston), who was a good friend of my uncles. A very humble, decent man. It was my honor.

[grl8862]

They ran into an entire Japanese fleet I believe. I guess if falling back is not an option at the time, you stand and fight no matter the odds. God Bless them. Fate sometimes picks your battles.

[HUNDLEYGUY95]

yea, 17 warships and over 50 trans ships, with a light carrier to the north and many smaller vessels all around

[snowsk82]

how did sink???

[cdfe3388]

"Ship of Ghosts" is a great book about the survivors of the Houston, the Perth, and the US 131st Field Artillery (Texas National Guard).

[18seki]

I am an amateur military historian but from what recall, the Japanese did not have overwhelming superior forces in this battle. Rather Japanese won the battle due to their i) superior seamanship; and ii) superior torpedoes.

[elvino000]

Respectfully, 18seki: you misremember in this case. The order of battle was lopsidedly in the Japanese favor: 2 heavy cruisers (totaling 20 8" guns) vs. 1 heavy cruiser (Houston) with 6 8" guns operational (and almost no 8" ammunition left); 1 light cruiser vs. 1 light cruiser; 9 destroyers (with Type 93 (and other?) torpedoes) vs. none; etc. Seamanship was probably equal in this battle. See The Fleet the Gods Forgot by Lt. JG W. Winslow, e.g..

[HUNDLEYGUY95]

actula ships involved was 4 jap CAs, 1 CL, 12 DDs, over 50 tranport ships, and with a small covering force including the carrier Ryujo, which was not involved

[grl8862]

I think you might be confusing this with the Battle of the Java Sea. Perth & Houston were the only surviving ships out of an allied fleet of 14 commanded by a Dutch Admiral who went down with his flag ship at that Battle. The next day Houston & Perth tried to go through the Sunda Strait after being told by Dutch intelligence it was all clear. Yes, Dutch intelligence lead Perth & Houston straight into a 70 ship Japanese invasion fleet. Always wondered what Double Dutch meant...

[HUNDLEYGUY95]

several destroyers also survived

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@18seki Let us not suppress the opinion of this commenter, who has every right to comment freely, since his opinion shows no lack of respect.

[Emac45]

Thank you for posting this video. I put it on my video favourites to view properly later

[jimmywrangles]

HMAS yarra was also lost during the battle of the java sea.

1 corvette Vs an entire japanese task force.

Lest We Forget.

[ps2hacker]

This is one of my favorite stories. Not to forget the Dutch cruiser "DeRuyter" (hope I spelled it right), these brave ships (and a dozen or so old, 4-stack destroyers) were all the allies could muster after the destruction of the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor (my hometown). A great book on this battle: "The Ghost That Died At Sunda Strait".

[snakestomper]

God bless the USN and the RAN

[MCMan85]

Out numbered,out gunned but not out fought,tho they died they took an Imperial Army General with them.

[bbFUK]

Great effort snakes. I posted a comment on TCR's tribute.  Minor point, though it is very significant for those who were POWs - it was three and a half years in captivity. Thanks mate.

[TL23455]

Read the book Ship of Ghosts, It tells the whole story of the HMAS Perth and USS Houston

[Sammyoak]

Same battle HMS Exeter was sunk. She was one of the Three Cruisers that took on the Admiral Graff Spee.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@Sammyoak Yes, the heavy cruiser Exeter was together with the light cruisers Ajax and Achilles against the Graf Spee.

[MIT1369]

Semper Fideles Brothers. You rest now. You've earned it.

[stfc7]

very nicely done i did an exam on this and this realy shows what i was talking about

[theswitcher1]

A haunting video with music to match, very nicely done

[Sammyoak]

Both were sunk by The Japanese cruisers Mogami Makuma Nachi. These three ships were destoyed in the end. RIP HMAS PERTH AND USS HOUSTON! And Thank you.

[kt1963]

Heroes all.

[giovanninoal]

to those who they constructed these ships those who lived to them to full load in order to donate that one today to us liberta' that the tyrants of the world wanted to remove to us, thanks men and ships that you have given your life for our future

[KillerBebe]

I never heard of this incident, nicely done and I found the photos of the crewmen haunting.

[snakes3425]

Some may notice the USS Houston and USS Indianapolis are vertually identical. USS Indianaplis's Portland Class were actually modifed Northhamptons, the class USS Houston was from

[earthpursuit]

@snakes3425 My grandfather was a gunner on the Perth, survived being a prisoner of war on the railways then mainland Japan when it got hit with the nuclear bombs, liberated, he then fought along side Americans against resistant pockets on islands. He took heaps of photos before being captured. They knew it was a suicide mission when they left for the Sunda Straight (left valuables on shore). In his words, they went to delay the Japanese fleet. RIP all who experience war.

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@snakes3425 They are very similar, but the Indianapolis and the Portland had a low foremast. The Northamptons: Houston, Chicago, Augusta, Chester, and Louisville had tall foremasts, and so could be told apart. The Houston was our first cruiser lost and was followed by her sisters Northampton and Chicago. The Indianapolis was lost near the end of the war. The Perth was part of a beautiful British cruiser class with the Amphion, Apollo, and others I no longer remember. Come on, you Brits!

[FRAGIORGIO1]

@FRAGIORGIO1  I remembered that they were renamed on becoming Australian, and that they were the Sydney and Hobart. I believe two of the destroyers were Echo and Express