GUNGAHLIN has an unlikely link to World War II’s Battle of the Coral Sea, the biggest the biggest naval battle fought off Australia’s shore and the turning point for the war in the Pacific, according to veteran and historian Gordon Johnson.

In 1942, a teenage Mr Johnson, now 89, was in radio communications on board HMAS Hobart, one of the light cruisers part of Australia’s Task Force 44, led by Admiral John Crace.

Crace, later appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1947, was born in what is now known as Gungahlin, on land owned by his family.

Now 70 years on, Admiral Crace and Australia’s involvement in the Battle of the Coral Sea will be remembered in a dedicated memorial at the new residential estate that bears his family name on May 5 in what is believed to be the first war memorial in Canberra built outside of the Parliamentary Triangle.

The battle between the Allied forces and the Japanese ran from May 4 to May 8, 1942 and it was the first time in the war that a major Japanese operation had failed.

“It’s a memorial that commemorates Crace and the area, and Australia’s involvement [in The Battle of the Coral Sea], which really was a major part of the action,” Mr Johnson said.

“A lot of people might question why would you build a memorial here when in Blamey Square there is a Coral Sea memorial, well there is a big difference.

“One built in Blamey Square is really a commemoration of the Allied relationship between Australia and America… it is a very worthwhile enterprise, but it does not highlight Australia’s part.”

The memorial, funded by the joint venture for the development of Crace between CIC Australia and the ACT Government Land Development Agency, with the support of the Royal Australian Navy was led by outgoing development manager of CIC Australia Ron Bell.

“Almost 12 months ago, I saw an article in the paper saying how Crace would be a wonderful place to have a memorial to Admiral Crace,” he said.

“I thought it was a good idea so, with the blessing of our joint venture partners, we proceeded to design and construct this memorial.”

More than 100 people are expected to attend the official unveiling of the memorial, including direct descendents of Admiral Crace.

A dedication will be performed by Vice Admiral Peter Jones and will also include a catafalque party and performances from the Royal Australian Navy band.

The unveiling of the Battle of the Coral Sea and Admiral Sir John Crace KBE CB Memorial will be held Saturday, May 5 at 10am.

PHOTO: CIC Australia’s Ron Bell, left, with World War II veteran and historian Gordon Johnson at the new memorial for The Battle of the Coral Sea and Admiral Sir John Crace at Crace. Photo by Silas Brown.