John Gregory Crace

May 1942 was a turning point in the Pacific war against the Japanese and one in which a King’s Old Boy, John Gregory Crace, took a leading role. As Rear Admiral commanding the RAN squadron he was ordered from Sydney to join two US Navy carrier groups deployed in the Coral Sea in anticipation of a move southward towards Australia by the Japanese. Despite his seniority, John was subordinate to the US Navy tactical commander. On May 7 John’s force was sent, minus air cover, to guard the passage between the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, while Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher of the US Navy prepared to engage the Japanese aircraft carriers.

It did not take the Japanese scout planes long to find the undefended Australian force and twelve land-based torpedo bombers roared out to attack John’s squadron. Fortunately John’s ships weaved clear of the torpedoes and shot down five of the planes. Seventy minutes later, 19 Japanese high-altitude bombers attacked again straddling the HMAS Australia and the USN Chicago in water spouts. Meanwhile, to the east another battle was raging which saw the sinking of the US Lexington and damage to the US Yorktown. However, the battle was a victory to the allies for it checked the Japanese advance. As fuel was low and since it was obvious that the Japanese advance had now been halted, Crace withdrew his squadron. The key role played by the Australians in the Battle of the Coral Sea has probably never been properly acknowledged.

John handed over his command in June 1942 and returned to England where, as Vice Admiral and later Admiral, he superintended Chatham naval dockyard until 1946. John was knighted in 1947 and remained in England where he died in 1968.

His commanding officers praised John for his ability and resourcefulness. He was not afraid to carry out improvements, constantly displaying zeal, sound judgement and tact of a high order. He set an example of personal service, consideration and thoughtfulness which proved to be of great benefit to all who served under him.