The latest exhibition to be displayed in the Carnegie Gallery at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania deals with the dramatic events faced by Australia during 1942.

“The Turning Tide – Australia’s War at Sea in 1942” has a focus on the naval war in the Pacific and south-east Asia during what would become a pivotal year in the Second World War.

During the early months of 1942, Japanese expansion into south-east Asia and the Pacific seemed unstoppable. The fall of Singapore, air attacks on Darwin and northern Australia, and the increasing isolation of Australia from its Allies all pointed to dark days ahead.

But within a few months, the tide had turned after some pivotal naval and land engagements. These included the Battle of the Coral Sea, where Australia and US naval ships operated together beginning an alliance that has become a significant part of Australia’s defence strategy.

The official opening of the exhibition will be held on Tuesday, 15 August 2017 from 5pm at the Museum. It will be opened by the Consul General of the United States of America, Ms. Frankie A. Reed. This recognises the beginning of the Australian-US alliance in 1942 and the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942.
The media are encouraged to attend the official opening. There will be many opportunities for interviews and filming of the exhibition.

The exhibition also examines the impact of the war in Tasmania. Hobart was a vital port during the war and it had to be defended against sea or air attack. There was also local ship building and strategically important war industries that supported the war effort. A number of ship models, paintings, objects and photographs, as well as two films on loan from the Australian National Maritime Museum, bring the exhibition to life.

The Museum acknowledges the support of the Australian American Association (Hobart Division) and the State Government Centenary of Anzac Grants Program in bringing this exhibition to reality.

The exhibition is open now and will run until 3 November 2017.
John Wadsley, Maritime Heritage Coordinator, Maritime Museum of Tasmania, 16 Argyle Street, Hobart 7000