By Casey O’Connor
On Saturday evening a distinguished group of currently serving and retired naval officers will join US Marine Colonel John Mayer representing the US Ambassador, Canberra, and US Consul General, Sydney, Lieutenant Commander Mark Tandy, Executive Officer Navy Headquarters, South Queensland, and Commander Wendy Davey and the Southern Downs mayor Peter Blundell at a “Tribute to the Coral Sea Battle” dinner hosted by Stanthorpe and District Naval Sub Section. Hosts for the evening Norm Gale and his wife Helen along with a committed band of volunteers with a Naval background has been instrumental developing the Stanthorpe Naval Sub Section branch.
A host of other distinguished guests with Naval credentials will be attending the dinner held to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
There are now only three remaining Australian Survivors of the Coral Sea Battle which was fought from 4-8 May, 1942, and is recognised as thwarting the Japanese intention to occupy Port Moresby and perhaps a northern Australian invasion.
The series of Naval engagements fought off the North Coast of Australia between the USA, Australia and the Japanese fleet was the first naval conflict fought entirely by carrier-borne aircraft in which opposing fleets did not meet.
Each year since 1946, Coral Sea Week has been celebrated in Australia by service personnel from both Australia and the USA, and official functions for visiting American dignitaries. Saturday’s dinner honouring this occasion will be held at Websters’ function room in the Central Hotel, Stanthorpe. Further information is available from Norm Gale.
