The Battle of the Coral Sea Explained: Expert analysis of the pivotal WWII battle where American strength saved Australia

The Battle of the Coral Sea reshaped Pacific strategy by delaying Japan’s advance and safeguarding Australia’s defense.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 ContentsGlossary & AbbreviationsExplanatory NotesMapPrefaceAcknowledgementsChapter 1 How had it come to this?Chapter 2 The US Navy goes to warChapter 3 The Forces AssembleChapter 4 Life and Death as Carrier AircrewChapter 5 The Torpedo Bombers: Kate and DevastatorChapter 6 The Dive-bombers: the Val and DauntlessChapter 7 The Fighters: Zero and WildcatChapter 8 The initial discovery – and the first fightChapter 9 The sinking of Shoho, Neosho and SimsChapter 10 Full Battle and the loss of LexingtonChapter 11 Coral Sea Technological ConsequencesChapter 12 Coral Sea Strategic ConsequencesSourcesIndex of Personnel Read more