Survivors gather to mark Darwin bombing

Updated

Thousands of people have gathered in Darwin to mark 70 years to the day since bombs rained down on the city, bringing World War II to Australia's shores for the first time.

On February 19, 1942 at least 243 people died when Japanese forces launched air raids on Darwin. More Japanese bombs were dropped on Darwin in the raid than on Pearl Harbour.

It was the first raid on the Australian mainland and during the next two years there were more than 100 across northern Australia.

Today is the first time the Federal Government has recognised the bombing of Darwin as a national day of observance.

A $10 million museum dedicated to the bombing was opened yesterday in a prelude to today's events.

The first of today's ceremonies was a service to honour the 89 US sailors who died on the USS Peary when the Japanese bombed the harbour.

On that fatal day we were forced to grow up. Australia was under direct attack and Britain could not help. Governor-General Quentin Bryce

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the bond forged between American and Australian troops on that day would never be forgotten.

"We gather to ensure the value of the sacrifice made in this city is never surrendered," she said.

"We commit ourselves to all we see and hold the good. To honourably inhabit the freedom for which these brave Americans offered the gift of our lives.

"This was the moment the reality of war hit home. February 19, our day of infamy, Australia's Pearl Harbour."

Governor-General Quentin Bryce also paid tribute to the strong bonds formed with the Americans.

"On that fatal day we were forced to grow up. Australia was under direct attack and Britain could not help. The Australian prime minister made an impassioned plea to the US and they were forthcoming," she said.

Honouring the dead

A ceremony was also held at Darwin's beach front cenotaph to lay wreaths and remember those who died.

A flyover by WWII-era Tiger Moths set the scene for the service, which was attended by veterans, soldiers, war widows, civilians and other dignitaries.

Ada Mumford, from the War Widows Guild, addressed the crowd.

She was evacuated from Darwin as a teenager, along with her mother and other siblings, shortly before the Japanese launched their air raid on Darwin.

"I can remember the day we left quite vividly. It was still dark when we left home," she said.

Ms Mumford says her father remained in Darwin and was responsible for broadcasting the air raid alarm at 9:59am on February 19, 1942 just before the Japanese bombed the harbour.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson says today marks a special anniversary.

"The 70th anniversary will probably be the last major commemoration where we've still got amongst us citizens who lived here during the bombings and who were evacuated, and also servicemen who were based here who fought during the war," he said.

Mr Henderson says he is pleased the Federal Government has recognised the event's national significance.

"It's time to tell our story, Darwin's story, Australia's story about what happened here 70 years ago," he said.



Topics: world-war-2, community-and-society, history, darwin-0800, nt, australia

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