HNLMS Van Nes (1930)

The HNLMS Van Nes was a Java-class destroyer of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Commissioned in 1931, she served in the Dutch East Indies prior to and during the early stages of World War II.

The Van Nes was laid down in December 1928 and launched in March 1930. She displaced approximately 1,316 tons and was armed with four 120 mm guns, as well as anti-aircraft guns and torpedo tubes. She was designed for colonial patrol and escort duties in the waters of the Dutch East Indies.

At the outbreak of war in the Pacific, the Van Nes participated in patrols and escort missions. On 17 February 1942, while escorting the merchant ship Sloet van de Beele carrying evacuees from Palembang, Sumatra, the Van Nes was attacked and sunk by Japanese aircraft, specifically torpedo bombers operating from Palembang airfield. The majority of the crew were rescued, although some lives were lost.

The wreck of the Van Nes lies in the Banka Strait. Her sinking is considered a significant event in the early stages of the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies.