| Accession Number | P02539.007 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Transparency |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia: Northern Territory, Darwin, HMAS Coonawarra |
| Date made | 1996 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright unknown |
The plaque in front of the water fountain at HMAS Coonawarra, RAN Naval Base, Darwin, NT. ...
Description
The plaque in front of the water fountain at HMAS Coonawarra, RAN Naval Base, Darwin, NT. Inscribed on the plaque, "This drinking fountain marks the location of the 3.7 inch guns of Berrimah Section of 2nd Aust Heavy A. A. Battery between the years 1941 and 1944. On 19th February 1942 this section engaged the first Japanese enemy aircraft to attack Darwin township, harbour, wharf and R.A.A.F. aerodrome. Later that day the section was attacked by low-flying enemy aircraft. N108358 (later NX149078) Gunner Wilburt (or Wilbert) Thomas Hudson was awarded the Military Medal, one of the first awarded on Australian soil, for his part in the action. Gunners R F Conn and M E Sullivan were wounded by machine gun fire. Erected 16th June 1996 by Members and Families of: 2nd Aust Hvy A.A. Battery Assn with the assistance of The Dept of Veterans Affairs, Personnel of H.M.A.S. Coonawarra, Personnel of 19th Chief Engineer Works."