2016 ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF DARWIN – FEB 19, 2016

2016 ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF DARWIN – FEB 19, 2016
Mark the anniversary of the day World War II came to Australia, and honour those who lost their lives and those who fought to defend the border.
The Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin is commemorated each year on 19 February at the Cenotaph, Bicentennial Park, Darwin to tribute, honour and remember those who defend Darwin and attracts many veterans’ who served in Darwin around that time.
On 19 February 1942, World War II was brought to the shores of Australia when the Japanese dropped bombs over Darwin. On this day over 243 people, both armed forces personnel and civilians, lost their lives. Eight ships were sunk and 11 damaged. A section of the wharf was destroyed, killing 22 waterside workers. Over the next 21 months, Darwin, Adelaide River, Katherine and Milingimbi in Arnhem Land were bombed 64 times.
The service begins at 9.30am with the sounding of the WWII air raid siren at 9.58am – the same time it sounded years ago as waves of Japanese bombers flew over the city.