Back to the bay
Past and present 75SQN members commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay.

By SGT Mark Eaton
Volume 48, No. 12, July 13, 2006

MEMORIES: 75SQN veteran Bruce Watson tries a Hornet cockpit out for size as 75SQN pilot FLTLT Martin Parker looks on, and above left, SQNLDR Matthew Hall prepares to conduct a Mustang handling display at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photos by SGT Mark Eaton

YOUNG and old fighter pilots traded ‘warries’ recently when they joined together to commemorate the 64th anniversary of 75SQN’s involvement in the Battle of Milne Bay.
More than 100 veterans, families and serving personnel attended the commemoration and reunion at RAAF Base Williamtown, hosted by 75SQN and attended by the 75SQN Association.

AVM (retd) Jim Flemming, a former CO of 75SQN, said it was a great thrill to come back to see the squadron with F/A-18s and the way they operate now.

“75SQN is a wonderful squadron because it’s got that esprit that’s built-in, which dates back to Port Moresby and Milne Bay,” he said. “The reunion has been great as we see young, enthusiastic fighter pilots come together with old fighter pilots who started off something many years ago.”

CO 75SQN WGCDR Steve Roberton said it was important to capture the traditions, history and culture of an Air Force fighter force.

“75SQN has an amazing history. Our time with the veterans helps current serving members realise the traditions and where the squadron came from,” he said.

“Sixty-four years ago, the veterans achieved incredible things in the defence of Australia and we want to show them we’re still worthy of carrying on the traditions they established.

“We want to show them we’re a capable unit and also what the modern aircraft can do. The thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the quality of the people we’ve got. Overall, it’s been a terrific experience.”

Veterans and current serving members watched an F/A-18 and Mustang handling display, sat in the cockpit of an F/A-18 and visited the No 278 Operational Flight Training simulator.

The Battle of Milne Bay was a battle of the Pacific campaign during World War II, where Japanese marines attacked the Australian base at Milne Bay on the eastern tip of New Guinea on August 25, 1942. Fighting continued until the Japanese retreated on September 5, 1942. The battle was the first in the Pacific campaign in which Allied troops defeated Japanese land forces.

Although Allied forces numbered about 9,000, only half of them were infantry with Japanese forces having a significant advantage in the form of light tanks. The RAAF’s 75 and 76SQNs flying P-40 Kittyhawks, and 6SQN flying Hudson aircraft, played arguably the most critical role in the campaign.

For the Allies, Milne Bay represented a significant turning point in the war. Victory here and a few weeks later on the Kokoda Trail ended any Japanese hopes of taking Port Moresby.

Milne Bay was an Australian triumph. The victory provided a major boost for Allied forces far beyond New Guinea. For the first time in the Pacific War, a Japanese amphibious invading force had been turned back after establishing a beachhead.

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