Bombing of Darwin 75th anniversary: Attack strengthened Australian resolve to fight

The Bombing of Darwin brought World War II to Australian shores, but it also rallied a nation and strengthened its resolve to never surrender

The Bombing of Darwin brought World War II to Australian shores, but it also rallied a nation and strengthened its resolve to never surrender.

Japan’s raid on February 19, 1942, killed at least 243 people and injured more than 400. It sparked fears of an imminent invasion, but radar crewman Austin Asche also recalls the determination it inspired in military personnel and the public.

“Never anywhere in Australia during that time was there ever any suggestion that we should surrender or make terms,” Mr Asche said.

“It was unanimous that we had to fight and there was no way in which we were going to make terms with an enemy which would be disadvantaged to us.”

Mr Asche said Darwin needed to be defended.

“There are some wars, which are difficult to justify,” he said.

“But this one clearly was justified. The alternative if we hadn’t fought was that we’d be occupied by a foreign power, speaking a foreign language.

“And certainly making us, if not slaves, certainly servants and they always being your master.”

Pte F. Conlin of Sydney, Driver J. Hankin of Sydney, and Sergeant Babb of Balgownie are holding parts of Japanese bombs dropped during the raid on Darwin.

On February 19, the Northern Territory will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.

To recognise the significant occasion, the NT News will publish a 56-page 75th Anniversary Remembrance Magazine.

Filled with in-depth features, vivid historic photographs, maps and amazing stories of survival, the magazine will explore the bombing in detail and how it changed the Northern Territory and Australia.

Get your special edition Bombing of Darwin magazine in stores on February 19.

Originally published as Bombing of Darwin 75th anniversary: Attack strengthened Australian resolve to fight