2016 20c Coin 'Anzac to Afghanistan' - DARWIN BOMBING

It was the first, and is still the largest, attack on mainland Australia by a foreign power. On February 19,1942, Japanese aircraft bombed Darwin. Initially targeting the town and harbour, then a nearby RAAF airfield, the Japanese mission was deemed successful by the Empire of Japan. Despite a valiant defensive effort much of Darwin's civil and military infrastructure was destroyed, including 20 military aircraft and eight ships.

Just before 10am on February 19, 1942, 242 Japanese bombers, dive-bombers and fighters began their attacks on the town and harbour of Darwin, causing widespread destruction. The first strike lasted 40 minutes and was followed an hour later by a second attack on the RAAF airfield at Parap. The bombings caused chaos in the town and at the airfield; many people, fearing invasion, headed south. The Japanese raids killed at least 243 people and wounded more than 300 others. Much of Darwin's civil and military infrastructure was destroyed. Between February and November 1942, Darwin was bombed 64 times. Other towns in Northern Australia including Broome, Wyndham, Port Hedland and Townsville were also bombed.