Battle of Kendari

Battle of Kendari
Part of World War II, Pacific War, Dutch East Indies campaign
Date 24 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
E.G.T. Anthonio   F.B. van Straalen   (Both commanders surrendered 27 March)	Kunizō Mori 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.