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.