 The ABDA Striking Force that Perth had joined was crushed by an overwhelming Japanese force at the Battle of the Java Sea on 27 February . Low on ammunition , Waller made the decision to withdraw , accompanied by the cruiser USS Houston under the command of Captain Albert H. Rooks . Waller 's action contravened the orders of his Dutch superior , Admiral Conrad Helfrich , to " continue action whatever the cost , and till the bitter end " , but the Australian was convinced that further engagement would mean pointless sacrifice . 
