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Friday, March 29, 2024

Remembering the ‘battle that saved Australia’

Today, we commemorate ‘the battle that saved Australia’. The battle of the Coral Sea, 4–8 May, 1942, was the largest naval battle fought off our shores during the Second World War.

In 1942, the Japanese forces planned to cut Australia’s supply lines to America by capturing Port Moresby as part of its advance into the Pacific. Allied forces cracked the Japanese communications code, providing advanced notice of their plans and allowing the United States and Australian military to work together to stop the advance.

The battle involved a large naval flotilla including United States carrier forces and ships of the Royal Australian Navy in support. This was the first instance of naval engagement where opposing fleets where never in visual range with the battle been fought by aircraft being launched from air-craft carriers. Aircraft from both sides fought until the Japanese eventually turned back due to heavy losses.

Although no Australians were killed during the naval battle, tragically more than 650 American lives were lost and the United States aircraft carrier USS Lexington was sunk.

Members of the Australian and the United States defence forces gathered in Cardwell, North Queensland, to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.Royal Australian Navy Chaplain Russell Smith led the service, which was addressed by Commander Glenn Williams, Commanding Officer of HMAS Cairns and Captain US Attaché Matthew Orr.

“A new memorial was unveiled honouring the crew of USS Chicago and US sailors Anthony B Shirley Jnr and Robert E Reilly, both killed defending their ship from Japanese attack. The Cardwell memorial is the closest land location to the Battle of the Coral Sea,” said Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Darren Chester.

“I encourage all Australians to pay their respects to all those who served in the Second World War, in particular those who served during the Battle of the Coral Sea. Lest we forget.”

To learn more about the Battle of the Coral Sea, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal – https://bit.ly/3llFhWz#LestWeForget#TYFYS

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