What to expect at the 2025 Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service
Australian dignitaries, ADF leaders, and descendants of survivors will come together on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Here’s what to expect.
Bombing of Darwin
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Australian dignitaries, Defence Force leaders, and descendants of survivors will come together on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.
Among those scheduled to attend the ceremony at the Darwin Cenotaph are Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Shadow Veterans’ Affairs Minister Barnaby Joyce, and Brigadier Douglas Pashley, Commander of the 1st Brigade of the Australian Defence Force.
The Bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942 was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia.
Darwin was destroyed when 680 bombs, weighing more than 114,000kg, fell on the harbour, leaving a devastating toll on the city and its people, with more than 230 lives lost and more than 400 people wounded.
The commemoration event will run from 9.30am to 11am and will include an air raid siren at 9.58am, the exact time a siren first sounded on the date 83 years ago.
Following the siren there will be a live re-enactment of events of the day.
There will also be performances by the band of the 1st Brigade, an ADF Catafalque Party, a commemorative address from dignitaries, and a wreath laying.
In 2011, Bombing of Darwin Day joined Anzac Day and Remembrance Day as a National Day of Observance.
It is recognised as a day to reflect on our past and to pay tribute to those servicemen, servicewomen and civilians who were there – those who courageously defended our country, those who selflessly helped others, those who dealt with the aftermath, and those who lost their lives.
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