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66th Anniversary of the Battle of Milne BayPrint Page Print this page

30-October-2023
30-October-2023

Photographs supplied by Peter Rasey

The Corporal John French VC Memorial Bridge over Downfall Creek commemorates the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay.  The bridge is named after Corporal John Alexander French who was awarded his Victoria Cross posthumously for his actions in the Battle of Milne Bay on 4 September 1942. 

The Battle of Milne Bay (25 August – 7 September 1942), also known as Operation RE by the Japanese, was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War Two. Japanese naval troops, known as Kaigun Rikusentai (Special Naval Landing Forces), attacked the Allied airfields at Milne Bay that had been established on the eastern tip of New Guinea.

Due to poor intelligence work, the Japanese miscalculated the size of the predominantly Australian garrison and, believing that the airfields were only defended by two or three companies, initially landed a force roughly equivalent in size to one battalion on 25 August 1942. The Allies, forewarned by intelligence from Ultra, had heavily reinforced the garrison.

Location

Address:Kittyhawk Drive, Downfall Creek, Chermside, 4032
State:QLD
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -27.379101
Long: 153.032028
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Structure
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:WW2
Actual Event Start Date:25-August-1942
Actual Event End Date:07-September-1942

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Sunday 24th August, 2008
Front Inscription

Sign :

Corporal John French, VC
Memorial Bridge 

This bridge was named Corporal John French, VC Memorial Bridge 24 August 2008 by Cr Fiona King, Councillor for Marchant Ward, celebrating the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay. 

The naming honours Corporal John French who was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for his actions in the Battle of Milne Bay on 4 September 1942. 

Thanks to - Chermside & District Historical Society
                 - Milne Bay Memorial Library & Research Centre

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au