The Coral Sea

Last Saturday morning we went to the Cavill Memorial Park in Surfers Paradise to attend the Commemoration Service for the "Battle of the Coral Sea". This particular service was organised by the Australian-American Association - Gold Coast Division which we are members of. ..It was truly an excellent memorial. The Battle of the Coral Sea took place from 3rd to 8th May, 1942. This battle was a turning point for us in World War II - it stopped the advance of the Japanese Imperial Navy and kept the lines of supply and communication open between the United States and Australia during the War. This was the first time aircraft carriers were used, the United States and Australia did quite a bit of damage to the Japanese Fleet, in fact this damage assisted in the Battle of Midway one month later - the Japanese had been weakened. The aim was to stop them taking the air bases in Port Moresby, New Guinea - where many Australians were serving against the Japanese, including my father and some of my uncles. Our combined forces with the USA lost 543 Servicemen and the Japanese lost 1,074 in this battle The map below shows how far down the Japanese had moved, the red shows Japan and its Empire in December 1941, and the pink where Japan had occupied between December 1941 and May 1942. Very close to Australia!! The speakers were excellent - a Rear Admiral from the US Amphibious Force attended (he is actually based in Japan now) and a female Commander from the Australian navy, they layed their wreaths together. There were excellent presentations by 3 elderly veterans who served in Battle of the Coral Sea 68 years ago. One was from the USA and the other 2 were Australian, ages 89 and 90. Here the 3 lay their wreaths.

There were members from the US Consulate - a message from President Obama was read, and of course the Australian politician who also read a message from our Prime Minister. The ceremonial detail was provided by Cadets of TS Southport.

and the music came from the "Clearwater Wind Orchestra" from Benowa High School.

Both flags were flown

Both Anthems were sung A very fitting Memorial to both the USA and Australian forces who gave so much to stop the Japanese moving fully into our country and halting all communication and supplies across the Pacific Ocean.