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Saturday marked the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, with a special commemorative service held in the city to mark the tragedy that saw 252 Australian lives lost.
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A commemorative event was held in Darwin this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin during World War II, a tragedy that saw 252 Australian lives lost in two separate Japanese attacks on the Australian mainland.
The Royal Australian Air Force announced that two F-35A Lightning II aircraft conducted a flyover of the city to mark the occasion, flying some 80 metres above ground.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison reflected on the event, describing the bombing of Darwin as “the greatest threat our people ever faced”.
Over the course of the day, 240 Japanese aircraft conducted bombing raids on the city across two separate attacks. The first wave, which included 188 aircraft, lasted for 40 minutes before 54 planes bombed a RAAF base north-east of the city.
The bombers attacked military personnel and civilians alike.
“The Bombing of Darwin began a testing chapter in the history of our nation – a series of air raids across north-western Australia that continued for 21 long months until November 1943,” PM Scott Morrison said.
“It was the greatest threat our people ever faced. But in our darkest hour, we rose to the challenge. Australia’s response to the Second World War was the greatest national effort in our history, and like Gallipoli almost 30 years before, the Bombing of Darwin proved to be an early tragedy, followed by ultimate triumph.
“In New Guinea, Borneo, Solomon Islands, and across the south Pacific and south-east Asia, Australia helped to halt and then push back militaristic Japanese forces. With our allies, we turned the tide against militarism, and won a heroic victory.
“Today, it is more timely and necessary than ever to acknowledge what they went through, and to assure their place in the story of our nation.”
The prime minister acknowledged that Australia and Japan have engaged with one another in a spirt of peace and reconciliation since the event.
“We also acknowledge the deep and lasting friendship between the people of Australia and Japan – out of the suffering of war we have turned to each other in a spirit of reconciliation and respect. Our nations’ commitment to freedom, security and democracy now provides a solid foundation for the future peace and stability of the region,” PM Morrison said.
“On this day in the city of Darwin – and in every part of Australia – we will remember. Lest we forget.”
