CRITICAL BATTLE REMEMBERED

THE battle that saved Townsville and Australia from further destruction in World War II is being remembered despite the cancellation of this year’s official ceremony.

Townsville’s annual commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea fought from May 4-8, 1942, has not gone ahead because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but for Maritime Museum of Townsville managing curator Robert de Jong the sense of gratitude burns brighter than ever.

More than 650 American servicemen died in the battle, which prevented the Japanese from expanding further into the Pacific and halting their ambitions to inflict heavy bombing raids on Townsville and other Australian targets.

“It was the closest major World War II battle to Townsville,” Mr de Jong said.

“Townsville played a small but significant role in the battle; it was an American B-17 operating out of Townsville that spotted the Japanese fleet on its way to Port Moresby.

“It’s an important part of our history and one that should be remembered.”

The main aim of the Japanese invasion fleet that was launched from Rabaul, New Britain, was Port Moresby.

Allied forces were dispatched and ultimately prevented the Japanese from achieving their mission, but the success came at a price.

An estimated 656 Americans were killed when the USS Lexington was sunk, and the Japanese lost an estimated 966 men.

“Ultimately the task forces halted the Japanese during their advance southwards in the Pacific in what was the largest naval battle ever fought so close to Australia and was fought entirely by aircraft attacking ships,” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said.