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  4. Australia under attack 1942-1943
  5. Australia under attack: Australia bombed, strafed ...
  6. Australia under attack: Darwin, 19 February 1942

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Australia under attack: Darwin, 19 February 1942

  • Introduction
  • Under attack
  • Mobilisation
  • The End in sight

 

Darwin was a supply base and transit camp for troops, aircraft and ships moving north to the war. Defences for the town and harbour were minimal. When the first attacks came, those manning anti-aircraft artillery performed bravely, but they were too few in number to prevent massive damage being inflicted.

At least 250 people were killed in the 19 February raids but at the time the censors understated the casualty list, and exaggerated rumours of widespread panic by both service personnel and civilians circulated. Key public buildings such as the post office were destroyed, and the airport was heavily damaged. The town itself was placed under military control. After the raid the evacuation of non-combatants was accelerated. Within two months the garrison had almost doubled and the Japanese raiders began to suffer heavy losses from anti-aircraft fire and fighter aircraft.

Despite the increasing strength of the defenders, Japanese bombers continued to attack Darwin and the surrounding area until 12 November 1943. That attack by nine aircraft on Batchelor, 150 kilometres south of Darwin, was the last enemy air raid on Australia.

Collection Item C374851

Accession Number: P02886.001

Japanese dive bombers

Collection Item C48282

Accession Number: 128108

HMAS Deloraine in Darwin Harbour, 19 February 1942

Collection Item C45853

Accession Number: 300971

HMAS Lithgow, RAN corvette

Collection Item C138982

Accession Number: REL/01247.001

HMAS Lithgow tally band

Under attack

  • Darwin, 19 February 1942
    • Citations for bravery
    • A family tragedy
  • Australia reacts
  • Broome, 3 March 1942
  • Sydney, June 1942
    • Midget submarines on tour
  • Townsville, July 1942
  • Attacks in Australian waters
  • Internees and prisoners of war

Last updated: 17 February 2022

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The Australian War Memorial

Treloar Crescent

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

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In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

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