Bombing of Darwin: 78 years on, Darwin veterans share their stories

AT 9.58am on February 19, 1942, the first bombs fell from Japanese planes, destroying large parts of Darwin and bringing war to Australian shores for the first time

Sam Logan, son of USS Peary officer Samuel Logan, shares his father's story on the anniversary of the Darwin Bombings. Picture: Che Chorley

AT 9.58am on February 19, 1942, the first bombs fell from Japanese planes, destorying large parts of Darwin and bringing war to Australian shores for the first time.

Veterans, families and workers were honoured at this morning’s bombing of Darwin ceremony, 78 years on.

Bombing of Darwin re-enactment, 78 years later on February 19 #bombingofDarwin @TheNTNews pic.twitter.com/OVy0OELErf

— Will Zwar (@zwar_w) February 19, 2020

A large crowd of veterans, descendants, current ADF personnel and school groups watched on, as the story of USS Peary survivor Samuel Logan was shared by acting chief minister Nicole Manison.

Mr Logan’s son, Sam, stood and waved to a humbled crowd who applauded appreciatively in awe of his father’s story.

Representatives from the US and Japan lay a wreath at the Cenotaph #bombingofDarwin @TheNTNews pic.twitter.com/muuWMaRAiE

— Will Zwar (@zwar_w) February 19, 2020

Today, 78 years on, Darwin stops and remembers those who served on the front line, protecting Australian land and ensuring Australians – and Territorians – can live the life they now do.

Today the stories of the bombing of Darwin are passed down.

Sam Logan, son of USS Peary Officer Samuel Logan, shares his father's story on the anniversary of the Darwin Bombings. Picture: Che Chorley

Making his first visit to Australia, Mr Logan, 74, shared his father Samuel Logan’s story of being rescued by Australian troops, after jumping from the sinking USS Peary into the burning waters of Darwin Harbour.

Growing up in Darwin, Austin Asche was in boarding school in Melbourne when the bombs fell but remembers how it changed the town and how different it was when he returned.

Veteran Basil Stahl was in trenches in Larrakeyah when the first bombs hit Darwin on February 19, 1942. He has made his annual trip to the Northern Territory to help commemorate the day. Picture: Che Chorley

Two other veterans, Mervyn Ey and Basil Stahl, have made their annual trip to the Top End to pay their respects to their late friends and colleagues and to commemorate their services once again.

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Along with a re-enactment, taking place at the same time of 9.58am all these years later, their stories help define Darwin and its most historic day.

A large crowd gathers to show their respect at the 78th commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin on the Esplanade this morning

Originally published as Bombing of Darwin: 78 years on, Darwin veterans share their stories