The Military History Society of New South Wales will host Battlefield Guide Peter Sweeney who will give a detailed and well researched account of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The Battle of the Coral Sea was a series of naval engagements off the north-east coast of Australia between 4 and 8 May 1942. It was fought by United States and Australian forces against the Japanese. It was the first aircraft carrier battle ever fought, and the first naval battle in which the opposing forces at no stage sighted or fired at each other. All attacks were carried out by aircraft. It is also the largest naval battle that has ever been fought off Australia’s shores.
The battle was significant for two main reasons: it was the first time in World War 2 that the Japanese experienced a defeat in a major military operation and it was the battle that stopped the Japanese sea-borne invasion of Port Moresby.
Peter Sweeney is a retired army reserve infantry Lieutenant Colonel, awarded the Reserve Force Decoration for service. He is a military historian, battlefield guide and speaker on Australian military history and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Military History through the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra.
When: Saturday 7 April 2018, 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Carmichael Room Level 1, Sydney Mechanics School of Arts (SMSA), 280 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD
Cost: Entry is free. RSVP is essential by Wednesday 4th April 2018 as numbers are restricted.
Contact: 0418 671 582 or rsvp@militaryhistorynsw.com.au