The Bombing of Darwin

And Japan’s objectives

Original Attack

• On February 19th 1942, Japan bombed the port of Darwin.

• Came under attack another 58 times during 1942-43 but the original attack was most significant.

• 250-300 killed, 300-400 wounded

Objectives

• Japan had no intention of a full invasion of Australia.

• Concerned with Australia’s role as a port for American Vessels.

• Japanese preparing to attack Timor. They attacked Darwin so it couldn’t be used as an allied air and naval base.

Significance

• Brought the war home to Australia and strengthened Australia’s need to provide troops.

• Re-enforcement of Darwin as a Fortress and allied base.

• Prepared for future attacks.

Bibliography

• Australia Under Attack the Bombing of Darwin-1942, Douglas Lockwood

• Australia In The War Of 1939-1945 The Japanese Thrust, Lionel Wigmore

• Japanese air raids on Darwin and northern Australia, 1942–43, http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/publications/fact-sheets/fs195.aspx

• The Bombing of Darwin,

http://www.orford.tased.edu.au/bombing%20of%20dawin.htm • Photographs of the Bombing of Darwin,

http://nationaltreasures.nla.gov.au/%3E/Treasures/item/nla.int-ex10-s8

• Bombing Of Darwin, http://www.awm.gov.au/units/event_59.asp