What was the bombing of Darwin?
The bombing of Darwin was a Japanese air attack on the city of Darwin on 19 February 1942, during World War II. It was the first and largest foreign attack on mainland Australia.
Japanese aircraft from the same carrier force that attacked Pearl Harbor struck Darwin in two raids on the morning of 19 February. More than 240 aircraft took part.
The attacks targeted ships in the harbor, the airfield and the town. Many ships were sunk or damaged, including the US destroyer Peary.
Casualties and aftermath
At least 235 people were killed, and many more were wounded. The true scale of the attack was played down at the time to protect morale.
Darwin was attacked dozens more times over the following two years, along with attacks on other towns in northern Australia, such as Broome, Katherine and Townsville.
The attack led to the evacuation of many civilians from Darwin. Today, the Bombing of Darwin Day is commemorated each year on 19 February, and the Darwin Military Museum and the Bombing of Darwin Harbour exhibition tell the story.