Bombing of Darwin veteran Brian Winspear, 100, looks forward to next year

AT THE ripe old age of 100, Bombing of Darwin veteran Brian Winspear says he is now looking forward to next year’s 80th anniversary commemoration because ‘that will really be a big bash’

• Two of the three surviving Bombing of Darwin Veterans will miss this year’s commemorations
• ‘A huge moment’: Darwin Military Museum director calls for greater recognition of the Bombing of Darwin, in lead-up to anniversary

AT THE ripe old age of 100, and with a global pandemic threatening our every interstate move, Bombing of Darwin veteran Brian Winspear will commemorate quietly from his Bellerive home.

“I decided I’d give it a miss and try and make it next year because it’s the 80th, that will really be a big bash,” he said. “I’ll be 101 and I’ll just about make it,” he said.

“It is more difficult, I’m starting to feel my 100 years.”

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Mr Winspear said he had plenty of “hairy, scary moments” during his time on the frontline and would be happy with a quiet drink or two, reflecting on an event he would remember forever.

“There’s not much which leaks through from Darwin to Hobart – I might have a beer or two with a few mates I’ve still got in the air force, nothing else,” he said.

“It’s a very sad day because in the time that I was in two squadron in Darwin, protecting Darwin from the Japanese invasion, we lost three-quarters of our aircrew, so we only had a one-in-four chance in coming home.

Bombing of Darwin veteran Flight Lieutenant Brian Winspear will miss this year’s commemorations but hopes to make it to the 80th anniversary. Picture: Keri Megelus

“In the two years that followed, two squadron lost its total aircrew twice.

“Darwin’s kicked along a bit since those days – it was pretty rough when I was there,” Mr Winspear said.

Mr Winspear hopes to return to Darwin to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin with fellow surviving veterans Mervyn Ey and Basil Stahl in 2022.

Mr Stahl, aged 98, and his family have opted not to attend this year’s ceremony because of the COVID-19 state border restrictions.

“The bombing was a long time ago, but you don’t forget it,” he said.

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BOMBING OF DARWIN

8.15am-9am: USS Peary Memorial Service, The Esplanade

9.30am-11am: Bombing of Darwin Day Commemorative Service, The Cenotaph

11am-12.30pm: Chief Minister reception

10am-11am: Ecumenical Service, Adelaide River War Cemetery

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