"The Fleet
the Gods Forgot" by W. G. Wilson 
This is the
fascinating story of the demise of the Asiatic Fleet at the outset
of World War II. This is about professional sailors in mostly
antiquated ships that went down fighting all the way, and in some
instances triumphed against overwhelming odds. Out numbered and
out gunned, they gave it everything they had and then some. Read
excellent descriptions of the battles at Balikpapan, Java Sea,
and Sunda Straight. There are also stories of survival and acts
of incredible bravery. I found this book to be a great read for
fans of military history. It covers actions that are not so well
known as some of the later and greater sea battles.
Available from:
Bluejacket Books
Naval Institute Press
Annapolis, MD 21402
Reviewed by Ken Smith, 21 March, 1999
