Historical information

On the 19 February 1942, 242 Japanese aircraft, in two separate raids, attacked the town of Darwin, ships in the harbour and the town's two airfields in an attempt to prevent the Allies from using them as bases to contest the invasion of Timor and Java during World War II. Darwin was lightly defended, relative to the size of the attack, and the Japanese inflicted heavy losses upon Allied forces at little cost to themselves. The two Japanese air raids were the first, and largest, of more than 100 air raids against Australia during 1942–43.

Significance

The Bombing of Darwin, also known as the Battle of Darwin, on 19 February 1942 was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia. The urban areas of Darwin also suffered damage from the raids and there were a number of civilian casualties. As a result more than half of Darwin's civilian population left the area permanently, before or immediately after the attack.

Physical description

Timber framed print of planes depicting the bombing of Darwin Harbour.

Inscriptions & markings

Gold metal plaque - BOMBS OVER DARWIN Presented to Wangaratta RSL

Limited Edition Print 234/1800 by James Baines