Darwin Defenders Commemoration Committee 70th Anniversary 20 February 2012, 11:00AM

The attack on Darwin on 19th Feburary 1942 by the Japanese was the first attack ever made by an enemy on Australian soil. The devastating attack by 242 Japanese aircraft , sank 8 and damaged 15 of the 45 ships in the harbour. 23 aircraft were destroyed and an estimated 900 people killed with many hundreds injured.

Although Battalions of soldiers were rushed to Darwin following the attack on Pearl Harbour, Australia defences were totally inadequate against such an attack. The area was subjected to a further 64 bombing raids through to November 12 1943.

Strict censorship was imposed on all information regarding the air raids and all official documents were stamped  "Not to be released until 1995" .About 200,000 Australians served in Darwin in WW2 and through this ceremony we give them the recognition and respect they have earned for their efforts in the defence of their country and its people.
 

Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Inc.
Patron: The Right Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen, AK, GCMC, GCVO, QC, DCL
Website: www.darwindefenders.org
Darwin Defenders Melbourne: C/- Bentleigh RSL PO Box 125 Bentleigh 3204
 
 

Wreath Laying at the Cenotaph

Shrine Representative : Shrine Governor Colonel John Coulson OAM RFD ED; Shrine Governor Major Maggie More RFD

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