Ten Weeks of Terror: The April-June 1942 Bombing of Darwin

For ten weeks in 1942, Darwin, Australia, was subjected to a relentless bombing campaign by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The attacks caused widespread damage and loss of life, and left a lasting legacy of fear and trauma.

Malta Spitfire Pilot: Ten Weeks of Terror, April–June 1942

by Denis Barnham

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3237 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	239 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Beginning of the Bombing

The first Japanese air raid on Darwin occurred on February 19, 1942. The attack was carried out by 18 Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters and 12 Nakajima B5N torpedo bombers. The bombers targeted the city's harbor and airfield, and the fighters strafed ground targets. The attack caused significant damage and killed 23 people.

The Japanese returned to Darwin on March 4, 1942, with a force of 54 bombers and 36 fighters. This time, the attack was even more devastating. The bombers targeted the city's infrastructure, including the power plant, the water supply, and the railway station. The fighters strafed ground targets and set fire to buildings. The attack killed 81 people and caused widespread damage.

The Ten Weeks of Terror

The Japanese continued to bomb Darwin for the next ten weeks. The attacks were relentless, and the city's population lived in constant fear. The bombers targeted both military and civilian targets, and there was no safe place to hide.

During the ten weeks of terror, Darwin was bombed a total of 64 times. The attacks killed 243 people and wounded hundreds more. The city's infrastructure was severely damaged, and many buildings were destroyed.

The End of the Bombing

The Japanese bombing of Darwin ended on June 14, 1942. The attacks had failed to achieve their objectives, and the Japanese Navy had suffered heavy losses. Darwin had been devastated, but its people had shown great resilience.

The Legacy of the Bombing

The bombing of Darwin had a lasting impact on the city and its people. The physical damage was repaired, but the psychological scars remained. Many survivors suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, and the city's population was forever changed.

The bombing of Darwin is a reminder of the horrors of war. It is a story of courage and resilience, and a testament to the human spirit.

Malta Spitfire Pilot: Ten Weeks of Terror, April–June 1942

by Denis Barnham

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3237 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	239 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE