Bombing of Darwin: 70 years on

Updated

On February 19, 1942, shortly before 10:00am, Japanese forces launched air raids on Darwin, the first on Australian soil.

More than 260 enemy planes, including land-based bombers and planes flying off aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea, attacked US and Australian shipping, the town's harbour, military and civil aerodromes and the local hospital.

The attacks, which came in two waves, were part of Japan's efforts to damage Australia's morale, hinder Darwin's use as a military base, and ultimately secure neighbouring Timor.

At least 243 people were killed in the attack, and up to 400 people were injured.

Twenty military aircraft were destroyed and eight ships in the harbour were sunk.

Air attacks continued over a space of almost two years, with about half of Darwin's population ultimately fleeing south.

Take a look back at some of the pivotal moments and memories that made the first air attack on Australian soil both terrifying and transformative.

'The battle for Darwin'

Australian anti-aircraft gunner Jack Mulholland and Japanese fighter pilot Kaname Harada recount their memories of the bombing of Darwin.

'You don't forget'

As a 19-year-old Basil Stahl was based at Darwin's Larrekeyah Barracks with the Army Survey Corps on the day of the first bombing of the NT capital on February 19, 1942.

Here the former Sapper shares his recollections of that fateful day when he rushed to take photos of the raid, not knowing that a second attack was coming.

Photos courtesy of the Australian War Memorial and the Northern Territory Library.

Explore bombing's impact on Darwin

Click around key locations in Darwin to see photos and listen to stories about how they were affected during the bombing of Darwin.

MAP: Find out how the bombing of Darwin affected key places in the city.

Zoom out on the map to explore locations outside the Darwin city centre

The audio included in this map was created by ABC Darwin cross media reporter Clare Rawlinson

If you're in Darwin, you can download a map and the audio to create a walking tour of the city.

Then and now

Taking you back to February 1942, this tour of Darwin explores the incredible stories of bravery, tragedy and fear that so many experienced on that historic day.

AUDIO SLIDESHOW: See the impact of the bombing of Darwin and hear stories from survivors and veterans.

Press the play button on the slideshow player above to hear from survivors, veterans, family members of those killed and military historian Tom Lewis, as you see a mix of images of the damage caused in Darwin and the same scenes as they look today.

This audio slideshow was created by ABC Darwin cross media reporter Clare Rawlinson, with sound production from Nicole Foote.

If you're in Darwin, you can download a map and the audio to create a walking tour of the city.

In pictures

View a selection of photos from the bombing of Darwin and its aftermath.

Timor battle

While Australians commemorate the bombing of Darwin many will be unaware that the attack was part of a Japanese move to take the island of Timor.

Historical records show the Japanese targeted the port, planes and ships in Darwin Harbour to stop the allied forces responding to their invasion of Timor.

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Timor Battle (7.30 NT)

Topics: unrest-conflict-and-war, history, darwin-0800

First posted