Ill, p.109.On 19th February 1942, Australia came under air attack for the first time when Japanese forces mounted two air raids on Darwin. On that day, 242 Japanese aircraft attacked Darwin in an attempt to prevent the Allies from using it as a base. 235 people were killed in the two raids, and more than 400 were wounded, 30 aircraft were destroyed, nine ships were sunk in Darwin harbour and two outside, and many civil and military facilities in Darwin were damaged. This book provides a visual record of that time through photographs, some depicting the devastation of war brought to Northern Australia, while others capture how life was for so many during this time.world war 1939-1945 - darwin - history, darwin - bombimg - 1942

Index, bibliography, notes, ill, maps, p.548.non-fictionPearl Harbour. Kokoda. The fall of Singapore. Curtin's fight with Churchill. The bombing of Darwin. The Battle of Midway. POWs. Kamikaze. Hiroshima. These words alone are enough to convey the terror, courage and drama of the Pacific War, when the balance of power stood on a knife-edge and when the future of Australia herself was on the brink - threatened by Japanese aggression on one hand and British apathy on the other. Until now the history of the Pacific War has largely been written from the American perspective. Now, for the first time, Peter Thompson places Australian voices and action at the heart of a struggle that took an unimaginable number of lives and only ended with the unleashing of the most powerful weapon the world had ever seen. Pearl Harbor; The fall of Singapore; Curtin's fights with Churchill; The bombing of Darwin; POW camps; The battle of Midway; Kokoda; Buna; Kamikaze pilots; Hiroshima. These words alone are enough to convey the terror, courage and drama of the Pacific War, when the balance of power stood on a knife-edge and when the future of Australia was on the brink - threatened by Japanese aggression on the one hand and British deception on the other. After a conflict that took an unimaginable number of lives and ended with the unleashing of the most powerful weapon the world had ever seen, the Allies emerged victorious. Australia, however, was criticised by Churchill and his generals for showing cowardice in the face of the enemy and for not caring about the fate of other nations. The endorsement of these claims by several military historians today shows that the smear has not gone away. Until nowworld war 1939 – 1945 – campaigns – pacific, world war 1939 – 1945 – australia

Index, bib, ill, maps, p.140.non-fictionA history of No31 Beaufighter Squadron at Coomalie Creek world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - australia, royal australian air force - 31 squadron - history

On display in History House.Black and white photograph of man in military uniform, with peaked hat. Badges are pinned to hat and left lapel. ¾ turn to right. Below image is text stating man's identity and positions.Front: Colonel (RTD) Sydney Patterson M.C., M.I.D., War Service World War 1. Served from 1914-1919 New Guinea (Naval Force) 1914. Egypt, France, Belgium 1915-1919, 20th Batalion A.I.F.M.I.D. 1916, M.C. 1917. Commissioned on the Field. Twice wounded. World War 2. Served from 1939-1945 Australia (Darwin) New Guinea, New Britain, etc. Captain 1939, Adj. No. 7 Aust Int. Training Centre, 1941. G.S.O. 3 (O) G. Branch A.H.Q. 1942. Major R.A.E. (Docks) 1942. L.L. Colonel R.A.E. C.R.E 3rd Aust. Dock Group. CIVIC SERVICE Councillor, Portland 1931-1940 (Resigned for War Service) 1945-1957. Mayor of Portland 1935, 1938, 1939-40, 1949-50, 1953-54. Harbour Trust Commissioner, appointed March 1950 (1950-1957). Back: Mr. Stevenson (pencil, centre)

This is a personal account of Arthur Ernest Tonkin's experiences during World War 2. Arthur was a member of the 147 Australian General Transport Company. He enlisted in Alice Springs and spent the war as a driver along the route between Alice Springs and Darwin. There was no railway between Alice Springs and Darwin, and the road was more like a dirt track, but was essential for transportation of troops and supplies. Arthur was born in 1921 and spent most of his life in Surrey Hills.This is a compelling memoir written by a gentleman with a profound interest in history and an outstanding memory for detail, so although compiled when he was an advanced age, it is a significant memoir.illus.; 22p.; photos, A4 photocopied booklet spiral boundworld war, 1939-1945, darwin overland maintenance force, (mr) (lt col) noel medway loutit, central australian motor transport group, arthur ernest tonkin, memoir

Bib, ill, maps, p.80.non-fictionContents : Introduction. The defence build up, Darwin 1920's to 1942. 19 February 1942, the first raids. Initial defence, American and Australian Kittyhawks. Striking back with Hudsons & Beaufighters. Colour plates the 49 FighterGroup USAAD. The Spitfires arrive No 1 fighter wing RAAF. The heavy bombers USAAF and RAAF strikes. Staging the offensive, the war moves North. Pilot profiles. Conclusion, Darwin's present defences. Air forces. World War 2. Warfare. world war 1939-1945 - aerial operations - northern territory, darwin - bombardment - 1942-1945