Stories

Forgotten History - The Bombing of Darwin - 19 Feb 1942

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Most of us have heard of the World War II sneak attack in Pearl Harbor, Hawai’i, however do you know much about our very own attack on the Australian mainland in Darwin in 1942? The 19th of February marks the 81st anniversary of that sneak attack.

Joining 4ZZZ's Eliot and Toni to chat about the Bombing of Darwin was Dr Norman Cramp the Director of the Darwin Military Museum at East Point in Darwin.

For a deep dive...

Check out the Darwin Military Museum's website, that features an eye-opening experience spotlighting the 1942 bombing raids.

Did you know Darwin was bombed approximately 683 times during the raids? And in 1942, cities such as Broome and Townsville were also attacked?

The Nackeroos were a horseback patrol unit who, alongside Indigenous locals, played a pivotal role in defending Northern Territory's coastal areas during WWII. The book 'Curtin's Cowboys: Australia's Secret Bush Commandos' explores The Nackeroos in great detail. For more on First Nation Australians in combat, Dr Cramp wrote 'Worth fighting for: Territorian indigenous military service from the great war to Vietnam' which explores the contribution of Indigenous soldiers who fought for the nation throughout the 20th century.

A timeline of some significant events on the Pacific Front involving Australia & the United States:

- Dec 7 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor

- Feb 8-15 1942: Fall of Singapore

- Feb 19 1942: Bombing of Darwin

- May 4-8 1942: Battle of the Coral Sea

Zedlines

ZEDLINES, MONDAY JUNE 1ST, 11AM

Jun 1, 2026

Your 11am Zedlines with Aliyah, Anastasia and Sydney!

Image Credit: Mufid Majnun via Unsplash

ZEDLINES, MONDAY JUNE 1ST, 10AM

Jun 1, 2026

Your 10am Zedlines with Sydney, Anastasia and Aliyah!

ZEDLINES, MONDAY JUNE 1ST, 9AM

Jun 1, 2026

Your 9am Zedlines with Aliyah, Sydney and Anastasia!

Image credit: Madsen Pest Management LLC

ZEDLINES, MONDAY JUNE 1ST, 8AM

Jun 1, 2026

Your 8am Zedlines with Anastasia, Sydney and Aliyah!

ZEDLINES, FRIDAY 29TH MAY 2026, 10AM

May 29, 2026

Your 10AM Zedlines with Bella and Eiri

Image: Graham Cairns 2010 https://www.flickr.com/photos/graham-and-shirley/5066673120/

Find out more at: http://4zzz.org.au/news

ZEDLINES, FRIDAY 29th MAY 2025, 11AM

May 28, 2026

ZEDLINES, FRIDAY MAY 2025, 11AM

Your 11AM Zedlines with Chloe, Tasha and Joe.

In breaking news QPS have enforced a 3 hour evacuation notice to personnel involved in the Goori Camp Embassy at Barrambin Victoria Park. A large police and fire presence has been reported to be on site complete with UAV drones as they survey the area.