Australian and American Warships Fight in the Coral Sea

The rapid Japanese advance had transformed Australia's strategic position by early 1942. The fall of Singapore in February undermined confidence that British forces could secure the region while Britain fought in Europe. Australia increasingly looked to cooperation with the United States as Japanese operations reached toward New Guinea and the approaches to the Australian continent. [1]

The Australian cruisers Australia and Hobart joined Allied warships in the Coral Sea in May 1942 as Japanese forces moved towards Port Moresby. Capturing the port on New Guinea’s southern coast would extend Japan’s defensive perimeter and bring its forces closer to Australia. [2]

Allied intelligence had given warning of the operation. American carriers Lexington and Yorktown moved to intercept, while a separate force that included the Australian cruisers guarded the approach to Port Moresby. Aircraft had to search wide stretches of sea for enemy ships and strike before their own carriers came under attack. [2]

The Allies lost Lexington in the fighting, but the seaborne invasion of Port Moresby turned back. [2]

Related Reading

• Australia and the United States