To affirm this book’s historical integrity, officers who served in the Asiatic Fleet during World War II kindly reviewed those parts of it wherein they are especially knowledgeable and made constructive comments. Of the utmost importance is the fact that two of these officers, Rear Admiral Henry E. Eccles, U.S. Navy (Retired), and Rear Admiral Kemp Tolley, U.S. Navy (Retired), both meticulous naval historians and authors, devoted many long hours to a careful screening of my entire manuscript. I am also deeply indebted to the following retired officers of the U.S. Navy: Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, Admiral Harold P. Smith, Rear Admiral Welford C. Blinn, Rear Admiral John D. Bulkeley, Rear Admiral Wreford G. Chapple, Rear Admiral Robert B. Fulton II, Rear Admiral William J. Galbraith, Rear Admiral Henry W. Goodall, Rear Admiral William L. Kabler, Rear Admiral Arthur L. Maher, Rear Admiral Robert P. McConnell, Rear Admiral John H. Morrill, Rear Admiral Morris Smellow, Rear Admiral Frederick B. Warder, Captain Robert R. Barrett, Jr., Captain Thomas B. Payne, Captain Kenneth G. Schacht, Captain Jacob J. Vandergrift, Jr.
I am also indebted to Dr. Dean C. Allard, head of the Operational Archives Branch of the U.S. Naval Historical Center, for his able assistance in helping me to find the many significant documents upon which this book is based.
The naval attachés of both the British and Australian embassies in Washington, D.C., were most cooperative, and obtained for me official operational reports concerning HMS Exeter and HMAS Perth. I appreciate very much their cordial cooperation.