 His squadron returned to Java on 18 January, missing out on the Battle of Singapore.Van Helsdingen led eight Buffalos to Semplak, while 23 others flew to Andir and Tjilitian.Van Helsdingen was awarded his first Military William Order on 11 February 1942, for carrying out attacks against Imperial Japanese Navy ships in the Battle of Balikpapan on 23 January.