One of the cannons recovered from the USS Peary at Darwin Harbour. Photo: Peter F Williams/Twitter (X)
Darwin has marked the 83rd anniversary of Japan’s wartime air raids which killed 252 people and sank eight ships.
On February 19, 1942, more than 260 Japanese aircraft attacked the port and shipping in Darwin Harbour in two waves.
The raids killed 252 Allied personnel and civilians and sank the USS Peary destroyer. It also marked the first of at least 64 air raids on the Top End which continued for 18 months, until November 1943.
Also attacked were Broome, Townsville, Katherine and other towns.
A memorial service was held from 8am-8.45am (local time) at the USS Peary Memorial in the city’s Bicentennial Park.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ordered the national flag be flown at half-mast from dawn to 12 noon in the Northern Territory only.
That was followed by the annual commemorative service from 9.30am at the Darwin Cenotaph on the Esplanade.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said: “As we remember the Bombing of Darwin, let us reflect on the enduring spirit of co-operation, unity, and resolve that these events symbolised – a spirit that lives on in the friendship between Australia and our allies”.
“Let us never forget that the lessons of the past continue to guide us, and the bonds forged during those trying times remain a pillar of strength in our alliances today,” she added.
TIMELINE
- On February 15, 1942, Singapore is occupied by the Japanese.
- On February 19, 1942, at 8am local time, 36 Mitsubishi Zeroes (fighters) and 71 dive bombers (carriers) and 81 bombers (land) take off.
- At 9.15am, Japanese aircraft are seen over Melville Island and again over Bathurst Island 20 minutes later. Warnings sent by wireless were misinterpreted. Allied Catalina flying boats were attacked and the Bathurst Island airstrip was strafed.
- At 9.58am, Japanese aircraft drop the first bombs and begin their attack on Darwin Harbour and the city surrounds. Several US fighters were shot down with three naval and five merchant ships sunk and another 10 ships damaged.
- 12 noon: A second wave of 54 bombers attack the Darwin RAAF Base.
