Karel Doorman

Karel Willem Frederik Marie Doorman (April 23, 1889 - February 28, 1942) was a Schout-bij-Nacht (the Dutch equivalent of a Rear Admiral) during World War II.

Related Topics:
April 23 - 1889 - February 28 - 1942 - Schout-bij-Nacht - Dutch - Rear Admiral - World War II

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He was originally a naval aviator in the Royal Netherlands Navy but quickly rose through the ranks to become Schout-bij-Nacht in 1940.

Related Topics:
Naval aviator - Royal Netherlands Navy - 1940

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In early 1942, he was made commander of the combined American, British, Dutch and Australian (ABDA) fleet in the Dutch East Indies, a force consisting of cruisers and destroyers.

Related Topics:
1942 - American - British - Dutch - Australia - ABDA - Dutch East Indies - Cruiser - Destroyer

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In February 1942, he was ordered by Admiral Helfrich (Admiral Thomas Hart's successor in ABDA) to undertake offensive action against the Japanese invasion and led his fleet into the battle of the Java Sea against a much stronger Japanese task force. This battle proved a disaster for the Allies.

Related Topics:
February - Admiral - Helfrich - Thomas Hart - Battle of the Java Sea - Japanese - Allies

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Doorman became a Dutch maritime icon because of his supposed last words to the fleet: „Ik val aan, volg mij!” ('I'm going in, follow me'). In reality, he only issued the command All ships follow me to prevent confusion when the damaged HMS Exeter sailed back to harbour on its own. Doorman just wanted to indicate that his ships should follow him and not the Exeter.

Related Topics:
Last words - Fleet - HMS ''Exeter'' - Harbour

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Karel Doorman died when his flagship De Ruyter was struck by a Japanese torpedo and sank. There was time to escape the sinking flagship but Doorman chose to go down with her in accordance with the old naval tradition.

Related Topics:
Flagship - ''De Ruyter'' - Torpedo

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Several ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy have been named Karel Doorman.

Related Topics:
Royal Netherlands Navy - ''Karel Doorman''

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