Battle of Leuwiliang

The Battle of Leuwiliang was a battle during the Dutch East Indies campaign of the Pacific War that took place between 3 and 5 March 1942. Australian forces, supported by American artillery batteries and British tanks, launched a holding action starting at Leuwiliang, West Java, to cover the retreat of allied Dutch forces in the face of the Japanese invasion of Java.

Battle of Leuwiliang
Part of Battle of Java in the Dutch East Indies campaign

Bridging work across the Tjianten during the battle
Date3–5 March 1942
Location
Leuwiliang, West Java
Result Japanese victory
Belligerents
 Australia
 United Kingdom
 United States
 Japan
Commanders and leaders
Arthur Blackburn
Blucher S. Tharp
Yumio Nasu
Jurō Hiroyasu
Units involved
Blackforce
3rd Hussars
2/131st Field Artillery
2nd Division
  • 16th Infantry Regiment
  • 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment
Strength
: c. 1,500
: 15 tanks
: c. 300
c. 3,000
Casualties and losses
100 500 dead (Allied claim)

Following a Japanese landing and a general collapse of Dutch KNIL resistance, Australian forces in Java led by Brigadier Arthur Blackburn prepared a defensive line ahead of a destroyed bridge in the village of Leuwiliang. Despite inflicting heavy Japanese casualties and delaying the Japanese advance for three days, Australian forces were eventually forced to withdraw towards Buitenzorg, and later further abandoned the city before capitulating after a general surrender of the Dutch forces on 8 March.

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