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Podcast: The U.S. Navy History Podcast
Episode: Battle of Badung Strait: ABDA’s Night Counterattack at Bali
Description: Dale and Christophe discuss the February 1942 Battle of Badung ("Bong/Barong") Strait in the Netherlands East Indies, framing it within Japan’s rapid early-Pacific-War offensives after Pearl Harbor and the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse, and Japan’s drive to seize oil and strategic airfields. They explain ABDA Command under Dutch Rear Admiral Karel Doorman as a multinational, unevenly coordinated force facing Japanese air superiority, refined night-fighting doctrine, and Type 93 “Long Lance” torpedoes. Japan lands troops from the 48th Infantry Division on Bali on February 19 and moves to secure Denpasar airfield, prompting Allied surface counterattacks in confi...