Rombouts, Johannes Cornelis

Date of birth:: March 3rd, 1908 (Ginneken, the Netherlands)
Date of death:: February 27th, 1942 (Java Sea (on board Hr. Ms. Java))
Mentioned on:: Dutch War Cemetery Kembang Kuning
Plot: HMJ 6.
Service number:: Stbn: 9628
Nationality:: Dutch

Biography

Johannes Cornelis Rombouts (33 years, OS 29) was Boatswain on the Mr. ms. Java.

He began his service in the Navy in 1925 as a Sailor, and rose to the ranks Sailor 3rd Class and 2nd Class. On May 29, 1931 he was promoted to Sailor 1st class. On November 1, 1933 he was promoted to Quartermaster and on January 1, 1940 he was promoted to Boatswain.

On May 12, 1940 he was stationed on the Hr. ms. Willem van der Zaan (M 08). The ship was then used to lay mines in the Boomkensdiep and off the coast of Vlieland.
On May 13, 1940, the ship dodged as it was sent to England where it was first used for mine laying operations off the English coast and later for convoy escorts.

The cruiser Mr. Ms. Java was sunk by enemy torpedoes from the Japanese cruiser Nachi on February 27, 1942 at around 11:20 PM during the Battle of the Java Sea. A torpedo struck the ship on the starboard side near the aft ammunitionstorage, causing the stern to break off near the longroom and quickly filling up. The ship sank within 15 minutes.
Of the 512 people on board, 491 were killed. He was then reported missing, which was later adapted as having fallen in action.

His name is commemorated on the National Field of Honor in Loenen (by means of memorial book 39). These books are kept and exhibited in the Chapel at National Field of Honor Loenen. Every day the warden of the plot turns one page.

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