I travelled up to the Northern Territory to participate in a weekend of commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the WWII attack on Darwin.
19 February 1942 was not of course the start of the war for Australia. Australian diggers had been fighting alongside their British comrades for two years and five months by then. Only days before the Darwin attack, tens of thousands of Australian and British soldiers had become prisoners of war together, with the fall of Singapore, following a bloody fight down through the Malayan peninsula.
But the Darwin bombing has particular significance because it was the first attack on Australian soil. 242 Japanese bombers dropped more ordinance than at Pearl Harbour, destroying ships and buildings, and taking some 250 lives. It brought home the vulnerability of the country’s vast northern coastline. The Australian government realised it would need the support of the US to protect its homeland, leading to an alliance which has over the subsequent years become an important pillar of regional stability.
The highlight of the weekend was a striking commemoration ceremony at the Cenotaph on Darwin’s Esplanade, overlooking the now tranquil waters of the city’s vast natural harbour, the scene of such destruction 70 years ago. There were wreaths and speeches from the Governor General, Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, as well as local dignitaries and diplomats. But even more moving was the long trail of veterans and local families who lined up to pay their respects, and a touching personal account by Ada Mumford, who as a child had been evacuated from Darwin just before the attack.
I also attended the opening of an impressive new museum, the Defence of Darwin Experience, which tells the story of the 17 February attack and other raids on the Northern Territory during WWII. Information about the scale and horror of the Darwin bombings was suppressed at the time to avoid damaging national morale, and the full story did not become public for some years afterwards. It is inspiring to see the dynamic, confident city which Darwin has become today.
Once again I was supported by our excellent Honorary Consul Jeanette Anictomatis and her husband John.