Synopsis
“…continues to fill large gaps in the South Pacific air war knowledge and history. Modelers are well served with this series, and inspiration runs wild with both the black and white and color period photographs and modern color profiles.”
– IPMS/USA
The Battle of the Coral Sea was a landmark Pacific War action fought off the Australian coast in May 1942. Famously, it was the first naval battle fought entirely by aircraft. The battle was a major setback for the Japanese at a time when their war machine waged supreme. It also saw huge consequences for the Battle of Midway fought just weeks later as two key Japanese aircraft carriers were so damaged and weakened at Coral Sea that they couldn’t take part.
By drawing on the official wartime US Navy Combat Narrative, this book examines the mighty Coral Sea battle and explains the weapons, technology and tactics involved. Aimed at the non-expert reader, the book sets forth how one of the most important battles for Australia played out.
Without the Battle of the Coral Sea, the United States may well have met defeat at the Battle of Midway. If that had happened, Australia would have been isolated and cut off from US support. If the Americans were forced to fight from their west coast, would this have led to Australia’s invasion or surrender?
Dr Tom Lewis is a former naval officer and author of 25 books, who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to naval history. He is well-known for explaining military history – here he is at his finest.
Table of Contents
Glossary & Abbreviations
Explanatory Notes
Map
Preface
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 How had it come to this?
Chapter 2 The US Navy goes to war
Chapter 3 The Forces Assemble
Chapter 4 Life and Death as Carrier Aircrew
Chapter 5 The Torpedo Bombers: Kate and Devastator
Chapter 6 The Dive-bombers: the Val and Dauntless
Chapter 7 The Fighters: Zero and Wildcat
Chapter 8 The initial discovery – and the first fight
Chapter 9 The sinking of Shoho, Neosho and Sims
Chapter 10 Full Battle and the loss of Lexington
Chapter 11 Coral Sea Technological Consequences
Chapter 12 Coral Sea Strategic Consequences
Sources
Index of Personnel
About the Author
Dr. Tom Lewis served for 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy, during which time he saw active service in Baghdad, where he led American forces, and East Timor. As a museum director he led two museums to new success; the Royal Australian Naval College Historical Collection at HMAS Creswell – for which services he received an Order of Australia; and the Darwin Military Museum, where he was Director for five years. He holds a master’s degree in Cold War Politics from University of Queensland and a Ph.D. in Strategic Studies from Charles Darwin University.
Tom was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2003 for services to naval history. Further decorations include the Australian Active Service Medal; the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the United States Army Commendation Medal.
Tom is in popular demand from radio and television stations across the globe for his insightful comments on military history and how it intersects with modern-day life. He is a regular speaker to community groups, and appears often in TV documentaries, including lately with Neil Oliver in Coasts, and in Sir Tony Robinson’s Tour of Duty. He produced with Military Myths Defeated the documentary of The Borella Ride, the Anzac Centenary commemoration of Lieutenant Albert Borella VC, who rode 1000 kilometers in the Northern Territory Wet Season to sign up for the Great War. Tom was the Lead Historian for the Ride. Albert Borella VC, an Incredible Journey screened nationally in Australia on Channel 9. He was also Historian for the 2017 Northern Territory Government project The Territory Remembers, the commemoration of 75 years since the first enemy attacks on Australia. He lives in Darwin, Australia with his wife.
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