26 February 1942

Japanese submarine I-25, the same sub responsible for recent float-plane reconnaissance flights over Sydney and Lord Howe Island, launches a recce flight over Melbourne.

The plane flies over the city and surrounding suburbs and leaves before anti-aircraft emplacements are even aware of its presence.

The Japanese invasion of Java commences, with a naval pincer movement. An invasion force of about 35,000 Japanese splits into two attack forces – east and west groups – and moves into position ready to strike.