BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The small coastal town of Cardwell, located 165 km north of Townsville, has held its annual Battle of the Coral Sea memorial, a heartfelt tradition organised in collaboration with the Cardwell and Cairns RSL branches.
The event, held on the first Sunday of May, carried special significance this year for local resident Linda Janetzki, whose late father, a revered Rat of Tobruk, was honoured with a plaque unveiling at the town’s Wall of Remembrance.
“It’s a day that means so much to our family and our hometown,” said Ms Janetzki, a proud member of the RAAF Association in Townsville. “My brother and I were deeply moved to unveil Dad’s plaque, surrounded by family, old friends and the community that shaped us.”
The service, attended by veterans and locals, commemorated the historic World War II battle, followed by the poignant tribute to Ms Janetzki’s father, a long-time Cardwell resident.
“He served our country with courage, and to see his legacy honoured here, in the heart of our town, was unforgettable,” she said.
The event brought together generations to reflect on sacrifice and community.