Darwin City Council launched a new video production in February titled, 19.2.1942 the Bombing of Darwin. Together with a public display, the video was launched to an audience of veterans, survivors and their guests, commemorating mainland Australia coming under attack for the first time, when Japanese forces mounted two air raids on Darwin on 19 February 1942.
The two attacks were planned and led by the commander responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbour ten weeks earlier. They involved 54 land based bombers and approximately 188 attack aircraft, which were launched from four Japanese aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea. Darwin’s harbour and town were attacked first, along with shipping in the harbour, military and civil aerodromes and the hospital at Berrimah. An attack on the Royal Australian Air Force base at Parap followed. The two raids killed at least 243 people and between 300 to 400 people were wounded. Twenty military aircraft were destroyed, eight ships at anchor in the harbour were sunk, and most civil and military facilities in Darwin were destroyed.
Darwin City Council has organised an annual commemoration service and special activities for veterans and survivors for a number of years. It first commissioned a video about the bombing, veteran’s stories and the service, to mark the 60th Anniversary in 2002. To mark the 65th Anniversary this year, a slightly different focus was taken.
“In the making of 19. 2.1942, we wanted to produce something that was more comprehensive and inspire present and future generations to learn more about this important part of not only Darwin’s, but Australia’s war history,” said Darwin’s Acting Lord Mayor, Chris Tilley. “Council intends to ensure that RSL groups, schools and other educational institutions have access to a copy free of charge.”
In the making of 19.2.1942, it became apparent that many of the wonderful interviews with veterans taped over the years were irreplaceable and incredibly important oral histories. A second film, titled Witness 19.2.42, will be completed after the commemoration this year.
For further information contact Judie Brennan, Darwin’s Public Affairs Manager, on (08) 8930 0516.
