Bombing of Darwin Commemoration 1996
19 February 1996
Imperial Japanese forces launched air raids on Darwin 19 February 1942, first such attacks on Australian soil. Over 260 Japanese planes, including land-based bombers and planes flying off aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea, bombed Australian and US shipping, Darwin's harbour, military and civil aerodromes, the local post office and hospital. The attacks came in two waves and were part of Japan's efforts to damage Australia's morale and hinder Darwin's use as a military base. It is estimated 243 people were killed in the attack and up to 400 people injured. Eight ships in the harbour were sunk. Twenty military aircraft were destroyed. Attacks continued for almost two years, with about half of Darwin's population ultimately evacuated south. In 1992 CLP Chief Minister Marshall Perron resolved to formally mark the occasion. His mother had been an evacuee. The 50th Anniversary of what happened in Darwin came as a revelation to many Australians. The Anniversary is marked annually – 2012 was the 70th and became a National Day of Commemoration. Senator the Honourable Grant Tambling laying a wreath.
- Document type: Photo
- Time period: Legislative Assembly NT
- Person: Grant TAMBLING
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