Timeline prior to the attack
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Significant Events from late 1941 to the bombing in 1942
Japanese’ aggressive actions and outbreak in WWII has always been a worry for Australia. Since the bombing of American’s Pearl Harbour in December of 1941, the fear of Japanese invasion was increased immensely.
Early 1942 in January and February, the Japanese has already took control of the Malay peninsula under an exceptional timeframe, along with the fall of Singapore, Australia suspected that it was next. As expected, the next four days, Darwin was struck by two catastrophic air raids – this is now known as the Air Raids on Darwin
The Air Raids on Darwin had a terrible resemblance to the attack on Pearl Harbour with 90 Japanese bombers and fighters attacking the city, taking 243 lives.
From 1942 to 1943, Darwin was not the only place to have fallen into Japanese attacks, neighbouring towns and cities in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Northern -Queensland were also attacked.
Despite all attacks, the Japanese had no intention to invade Australia – it only wanted to disrupt the Australian cooperation with American in acting as a port for American military vessels.
The Air Raids on Darwin demonstrated Australia’s lack of formation and training in defence for any foreign attacks. After the fall of Singapore, when the Japanese proceed to Dutch East Indies, Australia started establish proper preparation for Japanese invasion. By late 1941, around 2000 civilians consisting of women and children were evacuated from Darwin.
Naval strength in Darwin was increased to 1105 vessels with settled coastal defences and a fortress. 2000 personnel were placed by the RAAF in the area.
There were several sightings of Japanese submarine and planes in various dates in January prior the Bombing of Darwin on 19th of February. However, Australia was insufficient in protecting itself against a full-strength Japanese air attack.
Early 1942 in January and February, the Japanese has already took control of the Malay peninsula under an exceptional timeframe, along with the fall of Singapore, Australia suspected that it was next. As expected, the next four days, Darwin was struck by two catastrophic air raids – this is now known as the Air Raids on Darwin
The Air Raids on Darwin had a terrible resemblance to the attack on Pearl Harbour with 90 Japanese bombers and fighters attacking the city, taking 243 lives.
From 1942 to 1943, Darwin was not the only place to have fallen into Japanese attacks, neighbouring towns and cities in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Northern -Queensland were also attacked.
Despite all attacks, the Japanese had no intention to invade Australia – it only wanted to disrupt the Australian cooperation with American in acting as a port for American military vessels.
The Air Raids on Darwin demonstrated Australia’s lack of formation and training in defence for any foreign attacks. After the fall of Singapore, when the Japanese proceed to Dutch East Indies, Australia started establish proper preparation for Japanese invasion. By late 1941, around 2000 civilians consisting of women and children were evacuated from Darwin.
Naval strength in Darwin was increased to 1105 vessels with settled coastal defences and a fortress. 2000 personnel were placed by the RAAF in the area.
There were several sightings of Japanese submarine and planes in various dates in January prior the Bombing of Darwin on 19th of February. However, Australia was insufficient in protecting itself against a full-strength Japanese air attack.