HMAS #73: JOHN CRACE Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Smittengranny: This series has come to the end of its life. With pine plantations being cleared and new suburbs encroaching on the area, it needs to be archived. Thanks to all who helped with the CITO this morning and to all who have supported the series. Special thanks to Cankid for the research and original placement of the series.

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Hidden : 3/10/2014
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:


Information about this Series

The HMAS cache series has been created by Cankid and Delta Response Team to celebrate the 2013 fleet review and this is 73 of 101 caches. The series features 53 ships, 11 bases, 20 knighted seamen, 5 engagements and 1 cache about the RAN. There are also 9 puzzles for each section of the series, with one final cache. There is also one extra for the enthusiasts out there. The series can be done in a day and is best done in order. The best mode of transport in doing this series is bike.

The Location

The series is located just off Coppins Crossing road and continues through an area quite close to the arboretum. Park at the parking coordinates as provided in the first cache and continue from there. Please show caution and do not obscure the gate. This series will take almost all day so plan ahead, take water and snacks for the trip. As said previously, it is best done by bike. Most of the caches are on fire trails but there are some where you will have to go off track to find them.

This cache



CRACE, Sir JOHN GREGORY (1887-1968), naval officer, was born on 6 February 1887 at Gungahleen, New South Wales (Gungahlin, Australian Capital Territory), eighth child of Edward Kendall Crace, an English born grazier, and his wife Kate Marion, née Mort, a Queenslander and niece of T.S. Mort. Having attended The King's School, Parramatta, Jack sailed for England in October 1899 for further private schooling. In May 1902 he joined the RN's training ship HMS Britannia on a colonial cadetship.

Pursuing a career with the RN, in 1911 Crace specialised as a torpedo officer. He returned to his native land for tours of duty in 1908-10 and 1913-14, the second while serving in HMAS Australia. On 13 April 1920 he married Carola Helen Baird with Episcopalian rites in St Mary's Cathedral, Glasgow, Scotland. For the next nineteen years he served at sea and in instructional and staff duties ashore, advancing from commander (1920) to captain (1928). Promoted rear admiral in August 1939, next month Crace was appointed Commander of the Australian Squadron. He arrived in Sydney and found that the Government had committed most of his ships to theatres outside Australia. The few vessels remaining in home waters performed escort and counter-raider operations for the succeeding two years. Although he was appointed CB in July 1941, he was frustrated by the low level of local activity and by the Naval Board's interference in operational matters. He sought to be replaced and, in October, tried to resign his post.

After Japan had entered the war, in February 1942 Crace became commander of the allied naval squadron, Anzac Force. During operations in New Guinea waters with a carrier task force of the USN, he was dissatisfied with the minor supporting role given to his ships. In April command arrangements in the Pacific were reorganised and Crace's squadron was renamed Task Force 44, but, despite his seniority, he was made subordinate to the USN tactical commander.

On 1 May 1942 Crace's force was ordered from Sydney to join two USN carrier groups that were deployed to the Coral Sea in anticipation of a major Japanese move southwards. The squadron was detached on 7 May to intercept troop-ships heading for Port Moresby. Lacking air cover, it came under heavy enemy attack and the flagship, HMAS Australia, narrowly escaped being bombed. Crace received no further orders and knew little of the crucial carrier battle which was fought next day, east of his position. He withdrew on 10 May when fuel was running low and it was obvious that the enemy's advance had been checked. The battle of the Coral Sea marked the end of Japanese expansion in South Pacific waters.

Handing over his command on 13 June 1942, Crace returned to England. As vice admiral, then admiral, on the retired list, he superintended Chatham Naval Dockyard until July 1946. Appointed KBE in 1947, he retired to Hampshire. Sir John died on 11 May 1968 at Liss and was cremated; his wife and three sons survived him.

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