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  5. Australia under attack: Australia bombed, strafed ...
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Australia under attack: A family tragedy

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

 

John Cubillo, a Larrakia man, was working as a wharf labourer in Darwin when war broke out. Soon afterwards, his wife, Louisa, and their nine children left Darwin for safety.

On 19 February 1942, a bright, clear summer Thursday, John Cubillo was helping load the hospital ship Manunda when it was attacked by Japanese aircraft. He was one of more than a dozen killed aboard or near the Manunda that day.

Lousia and the children were camped in Katherine when the news that John had been killed reached them. After the air raid on Katherine they were evacuated to South Australia. Teenage daughter Mary recalled: “One of the wharfies who survived saw my father running after the boat and it got a direct hit … they never ever found his body.”

Louisa Cubillo

Louisa Cubillo and her nine children

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: 3 December 2019

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Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. All visitors require a free timed ticket to enter the Memorial Galleries and attend the Last Post Ceremony.

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Canberra Highlands in Grayscale

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TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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The Australian War Memorial

Treloar Crescent
Campbell ACT 2612
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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,

galleries are progressively closed from 4 pm.

 

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