Battle of Kendari

Battle of Kendari
Part of World War II, Pacific War,
Dutch East Indies campaign
Date24 January 1942
(Last guerrilla pocket surrendered on 27 March, 1942)
Location
Kendari, Southeast of Celebes Island
1°9′48″N 124°51′26″E / 1.16333°N 124.85722°E / 1.16333; 124.85722
Result Japanese victory
Belligerents
 Netherlands  Japan
Commanders and leaders
Netherlands E.G.T. Anthonio  Surrendered
Netherlands F.B. van Straalen  Surrendered (Both commanders surrendered 27 March)
Empire of Japan Kunizō Mori
Empire of Japan Takeo Takagi
Strength
400[1] c. 3000[2]
Casualties and losses
Unknown
Troops deserted, executed or surrendered later on
4 wounded
One cruiser damaged
One destroyer damaged

The Battle of Kendari took place on 24 January 1942 as part of the Japanese offensive in the Dutch East Indies. The airfield Kendari II at Kendari became an essential target for Japanese forces for its strategic location and infrastructure quality. Encountering little to no resistance, Japanese troops managed to capture the airfield in one day, as the Dutch defenders were already in retreat inland.

  1. ^ Nortier (1988), pp. 63
  2. ^ Remmelink (2018), pp. 160