With all the 60th Anniversaries going on around the world right now, some may have overlooked that today, the 8th of May marks the 63rd Anniversary of the end of the four-day Battle of the Coral Sea.
This was, for many of the countries in the Pacific, especially New Zealand, a turning point in the Pacific campaign that should not and will not be forgotten. It is well documented that had the Japanese not been halted in their advance in this battle, by the brave US carrier airmen, NZ would almost certainly have been invaded, and with but the likes of Vincents and Vildebeests to defend us at that stage, with a handful of Hudsons, we’d have been toast.
On behalf of my country, I want to say a big thank you to the US veterans who took part in the battle. We did not have much of a military presence ourselves in the Pacific at that time of the Coral Sea battle, but you were all appreciated then by New Zealanders, and still are, especially among the older generation who remember your deeds and recall how many of your wounded and battle weary were transported to these shores for medical treatment and recouperation. They also remember the bases you set up here, the fresh faced new soldiers arriving before going up to the Islands to do your duty along with our own boys. They remember all the subsequent battles, and the advance up the Islands chain with us at your side. They remember how generous the “Yanks” were when our army and air force encampments were set up on the same stations as the Americans – our military only providing the barest minimum of equipment, and the US troops helping as best they could always. They remember fondly the comraderie between our two nations, both in the islands and back here in NZ. There were hiccups of course, but on a whole the relationship worked well for both sides.
Our country may not see eye to eye with yours on military or political matters these days, but we remember the days when we did work together, and we greatly appreciate the sacrifices made to rid the Pacific of the evil empire of Japan.
Lest we forget.
By: Andy in Beds - 9th May 2005 at 11:05
As you have complained about the lack of replies, here goes. I’m not a Pacific war expert even though my late uncle was a Corsair armourer on board HMS Illustrious, but I thought that the Battle of Coral Sea was a disaster, did we not lose the Exeter, USS Houston and an Australian cruiser as well as several destroyers or were they a diversion away from the main American fleet which was succesful, I’d like to know more about what happened.
Cheers.
Pete
you’re thinking of the Battle of the Java Sea fought in February 1942.
Indeed that was a disater where the American, British, Dutch, Australian (ABDA) force was annihilated.
The battle of the Coral Sea was seen at the time as a draw but was actually a strategic victory for the allies as it stopped the Japanese advance on Port Moresby.
Hope this helps.
Andy
By: Pete Truman - 9th May 2005 at 10:52
The Japanese lost a lot more ships and it was the first time that they had done so. It was the first time they met any real opposition in their advance down through the Pacific as far as I’m aware.
Cheers for that, I must look it up on the web.
By: Dave Homewood - 9th May 2005 at 10:43
The Japanese lost a lot more ships and it was the first time that they had done so. It was the first time they met any real opposition in their advance down through the Pacific as far as I’m aware.
By: Pete Truman - 9th May 2005 at 10:36
Coral Sea
As you have complained about the lack of replies, here goes. I’m not a Pacific war expert even though my late uncle was a Corsair armourer on board HMS Illustrious, but I thought that the Battle of Coral Sea was a disaster, did we not lose the Exeter, USS Houston and an Australian cruiser as well as several destroyers or were they a diversion away from the main American fleet which was succesful, I’d like to know more about what happened.
Cheers.
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May 8, 2005 at 11:41 am