Karel Doorman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karel Doorman
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Doorman in 1930
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| Birth name | Karel Willem Frederik Marie Doorman |
| Born | 23 April 1889 Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Died | 28 February 1942 (aged 52) Java Sea |
| Allegiance |  Netherlands |
| Branch |  Royal Netherlands Navy |
| Service years | 1906–1942 |
| Rank | Schout-bij-nacht |
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Karel Willem Frederik Marie Doorman (born April 23, 1889 – died February 28, 1942) was a brave Dutch naval officer. During World War II, he led the Allied naval forces in the important Battle of the Java Sea. He sadly died in battle when his ship, the HNLMS De Ruyter, was hit by a torpedo. Following a long-standing navy tradition, he chose to stay with his sinking ship.
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About Karel Doorman
Karel Doorman was born in 1889 in Utrecht, Netherlands. He came from a military family. In 1906, he joined the navy as a midshipman. By 1910, he became an officer and sailed to the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia).
For his first few years, from 1912 to 1913, he worked on survey ships. His main job was to map the coastlines of New Guinea. In 1914, he returned to the Netherlands. Soon after, he asked to join the new Naval Aviation Service.
Karel Doorman's request to join the Aviation Service was approved in 1915. He became one of the very first naval officers to earn his pilot wings. From 1915 to 1918, he was stationed at Soesterberg Air Base. He earned both a civilian and a Naval pilot's license.
From 1917 to 1921, he worked as an instructor. He even commanded the Naval Air Base De Kooy from 1919 to 1921. Because he was so good at organizing the new naval aviation, he was made a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 1922.
After an arm injury and budget cuts, Doorman stopped actively flying. He then attended the Higher Naval School. This training helped him prepare for his later naval career.
Family Life
Karel Doorman was married and had children. His son Joop Doorman was born in 1928.
Leading Ships and Squadrons
In 1926, Doorman returned to sea. He served on the armored ship De Zeven Provinciën. He became the ship's gunnery officer and later its first officer.
In 1932, he commanded the mine-layer HNLMS Prins van Oranje. He also commanded two destroyers, Witte de With and Evertsen. The Evertsen even took part in action against rebels in 1933.
In 1937, Doorman became a captain. He commanded the cruisers Sumatra and Java in the Dutch East Indies. In 1938, he was put in charge of Naval Aviation in the Dutch East Indies.
World War II Battles
On May 16, 1940, Doorman was promoted to rear-admiral. He took command of a squadron in Surabaya. In early 1942, he led the remaining ships of the ABDA Combined Striking Force.
On February 3, 1942, Doorman led his ships to stop a Japanese invasion force. His ships were bombed by the Japanese, forcing them to turn back. This event was called the Battle of Makassar Strait.
On February 18, Japanese forces invaded Bali. Doorman tried to stop them the next day. His forces launched several attacks, but they were not successful. The Dutch destroyer Piet Hein was sunk. The Japanese successfully occupied Bali. This battle is known as the Battle of Badung Strait.
The Battle of the Java Sea
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Karel Doorman was killed in action during the Battle of the Java Sea. His flagship, the De Ruyter, was hit by a Japanese torpedo and sank. Many crew members were rescued, but Doorman chose to stay with his ship as it went down.
On June 5, 1942, he was honored for his bravery. He was made a Knight 3rd class in the Military William Order after his death.
"I am attacking, follow me"
Karel Doorman is often remembered for a famous signal he sent during the Battle of the Java Sea. He signaled in Dutch, "Ik val aan, volg mij," which means "I am attacking, follow me." Some people believe this showed his great courage.
On February 27, 1942, Doorman's Allied squadron met the Japanese fleet. He knew his fleet was outnumbered but decided to attack anyway. The Japanese ships had guns that could shoot farther. The British cruiser HMS Exeter was hit. Then, the Dutch destroyer HNLMS Kortenaer was torpedoed and broke in half.
Doorman's signal, "All ships – follow me," was given to help his fleet stay together and continue the fight. The battle lasted over seven hours. Doorman's squadron was almost completely destroyed. He died when his ship sank about 90 minutes after being hit.
Memorials
Four ships in the Royal Netherlands Navy have been named after Karel Doorman to honor him. These include an escort carrier, an aircraft carrier, a frigate, and a multi-role support vessel.
There is also a memorial plaque for him at the Kloosterkerk in The Hague. Commemorations for the Battle of the Java Sea are held regularly to remember the brave sailors who fought there.
Honors and Awards
- Knight 3rd class of the Military William Order (awarded after his death)
- Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau
- War Memorial Cross with two bars
- Distinguishing for Long Service as an officer
- Mobilization Cross 1914–1918
- Virtuti Militari, Silver Cross (Poland)
See also
In Spanish: Karel Doorman para niños
