I spent the 1980s reading World War II history and I was left with one question - what happened to the USS Langley, the US Navy's first aircraft carrier. Even after searching out books like Edwin Hoyt’s “The lonely ships : the life and death of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet” (1976) and W. G. Winslow’s “Fleet the Gods Forgot” (1982) all I knew was that after it was refitted as a seaplane tender and was stationed at the Manila’s navy base when the war broke out. As W. L. Wright wrote in his 1942 book “They Were Expendable” (Yes, the book made into the John Wayne movie.) as the Japanese closed in on Manila the Langley and what remained of the Asiatic fleet was sent to Java with weapons and supplies. They were never heard from again.

When I first saw Tom Womack’s book “The Allied Defense of the Malay Barrier, 1941-1942” I hoped that another 30 years of archival research and the birth of the internet would uncover the answer. It did. Womack’s book is the most detailed history I have ever read. At times I questioned if all the detail was a good thing. Charts explained every ship and airplane’s horsepower, armament, and crew. Maps showed ship movements during almost every engagement. Details on Dutch naval and air bases defenses and repair / maintenance capabilities, often with maps. All this in addition to the normal explanations of diplomatic and military decisions and background information on the important commanding officers. Some of the information will be valuable to wargamers and perhaps other readers even if I got a little impatient with it.

In spite of my impatience I read every word and the fate of the Langley was not the only thing I learned. The book is daunting, more like a textbook than a history book but it is well worth the effort. ( )

Earl and ugly days in the Pacific. This thoroughly researched, data-dense history of Allied naval action in early and obscure battles with the Japanese belongs in any serious WW2 Pacific War library. The bibliography is dauntingly complete and supports the copious notes provided. It aptly documents how badly prepared; were ABCD commanders that faced the Japanese invaders. Unfortunately, there were no lessons learned and the many bad decisions occurred again in the battles off Guadalcanal. ( )

A surprisingly well written and researched book on the part of World War II which is often not read about in English. The author has this book well organized to such an extent that it is an excellent book to use for reference. The information covered is detailed and in depth and starts in the early 1930‘s. It is obvious a lot of work went into this fine book. The author also used the research he found from not only the Dutch but from Japanese sources giving the book a very object view point. If you are interested in World War II and or the Pacific Theater of War in particular this book is a must read book. Every naval historian will want a copy on his shelf. ( )

A thoroughly researched and meticulously presented history of the pre war NEI naval forces and subsequent encounters with Japanese forces during the early stages of the Pacific War. Due to its extensive detail, this book should not be considered for the casual reader of WWII history. Lots of historical photos and battle maps are included. ( )

An interesting nonfiction book covering the Allied defense of a strategically important South Pacific locale during WW2. I recommend that others give the book a try to see if they enjoy it. It is a title that shouldn't be missed. ( )