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| Between February 1942 and November 1943, during the ], the ]n mainland, domestic airspace, offshore islands and coastal shipping were attacked at least 97 times by aircraft from the ] and ]. These attacks came in various forms, from large scale raids by ]s, to ] attacks on ships, to ] runs by ]s. | Between February 1942 and November 1943, during the ], the ]n mainland, domestic airspace, offshore islands and coastal shipping were attacked at least 97 times by aircraft from the ] and ]. These attacks came in various forms, from large scale raids by ]s, to ] attacks on ships, to ] runs by ]s. | ||
| In the first—and deadliest—attacks, 242 planes hit ] on the morning of 19 February 1942, killing at least 243 people, causing immense damage, making hundreds of people homeless and causing the abandonment of Darwin as a major naval base. (See the main article: ].) | In the first — and deadliest — attacks, 242 planes hit ] on the morning of ] ], killing at least 243 people, causing immense damage, making hundreds of people homeless and causing the abandonment of Darwin as a major naval base. (See the main article: ].) | ||
| These attacks were opposed by— and often aimed at—units and personnel from the ] (RAAF), ], ], ], ], British ] and ]. Japanese aircrews also targeted civil ], including harbours, civil airfields, railways and fuel tanks. Many civilians were also killed. | These attacks were opposed by — and often aimed at — units and personnel from the ] (RAAF), ], ], ], ], British ] and ]. Japanese aircrews also targeted civil ], including harbours, civil airfields, railways and fuel tanks. Many civilians were also killed. | ||
| ==Early Japanese air raids== | ==Early Japanese air raids== | ||
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| {{main|Bombing of Darwin}} | {{main|Bombing of Darwin}} | ||
| ], which escaped damage.]] | ], which escaped damage.]] | ||
| ] on 19 February 1942 was both the first and the largest attack mounted by Japan against mainland Australia. On 19 February four Japanese ]s (], ], ] and ]) launched a total of 188 aircraft from a position in the ].<ref>Tom Lewis (2003). ''A War at Home. A Comprehensive guide to the first Japanese attacks on Darwin''. Tall Stories, Darwin. Page 16.</ref> These 188 naval aircraft inflicted heavy damage on Darwin and sank nine ships. A raid conducted by 54 land based bombers later the same day inflicted further damage on the town and ] and resulted in the destruction of 20 military aircraft. Allied casualties were 251 killed and between 300 and 400 wounded, the majority of whom were non-Australian Allied sailors. Only four Japanese aircraft were confirmed to have been destroyed by Darwin's defenders.<ref>David Jenkins (1992), ''Battle Surface! Japan's Submarine War Against Australia 1942-44''. Random House Australia, Sydney. Pages 118-120 and Lewis (2003). Pages 63-71.</ref> The four Japanese aircraft carriers involved in the attack on Darwin were sunk during the ] in June 1942. | ] on ] ] was both the first and the largest attack mounted by Japan against mainland Australia. On 19 February four Japanese ]s (], ], ] and ]) launched a total of 188 aircraft from a position in the ].<ref>Tom Lewis (2003). ''A War at Home. A Comprehensive guide to the first Japanese attacks on Darwin''. Tall Stories, Darwin. Page 16.</ref> These 188 naval aircraft inflicted heavy damage on Darwin and sank nine ships. A raid conducted by 54 land based bombers later the same day inflicted further damage on the town and ] and resulted in the destruction of 20 military aircraft. Allied casualties were 251 killed and between 300 and 400 wounded, the majority of whom were non-Australian Allied sailors. Only four Japanese aircraft were confirmed to have been destroyed by Darwin's defenders.<ref>David Jenkins (1992), ''Battle Surface! Japan's Submarine War Against Australia 1942-44''. Random House Australia, Sydney. Pages 118-120 and Lewis (2003). Pages 63-71.</ref> The four Japanese aircraft carriers involved in the attack on Darwin were sunk during the ] in June 1942. | ||
| ===The attack on Broome=== | ===The attack on Broome=== | ||
| {{main|Attack on Broome}} | {{main|Attack on Broome}} | ||
| On 3 March 1942 nine Japanese ] ], in northern ]. Although ] was a small town, it had become a significant air base and route of escape for refugees and retreating military personnel, following the ]. The attack consisted of ] runs by the Zeroes and no bombs were dropped; however, at least 88 Allied civilians and military personnel were killed in this attack and 22 aircraft were lost. As Broome was almost undefended, Japanese losses were light, with only a single Zero being shot down over Broome and another one failing to reach its base. | On ] ] nine Japanese ] ], in northern ]. Although ] was a small town, it had become a significant air base and route of escape for refugees and retreating military personnel, following the ]. The attack consisted of ] runs by the Zeroes and no bombs were dropped; however, at least 88 Allied civilians and military personnel were killed in this attack and 22 aircraft were lost. As Broome was almost undefended, Japanese losses were light, with only a single Zero being shot down over Broome and another one failing to reach its base. | ||
| ==Attacks on north Queensland, July 1942== | ==Attacks on north Queensland, July 1942== | ||
Revision as of 22:49, 19 November 2008
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Template:Campaignbox Battle for Australia
Between February 1942 and November 1943, during the Pacific War, the Australian mainland, domestic airspace, offshore islands and coastal shipping were attacked at least 97 times by aircraft from the Imperial Japanese Navy and Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. These attacks came in various forms, from large scale raids by heavy bombers, to torpedo attacks on ships, to strafing runs by fighter planes.
In the first — and deadliest — attacks, 242 planes hit Darwin on the morning of 19 February 1942, killing at least 243 people, causing immense damage, making hundreds of people homeless and causing the abandonment of Darwin as a major naval base. (See the main article: Air raids on Darwin, 19 February 1942.)
These attacks were opposed by — and often aimed at — units and personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, United States Army Air Forces, US Navy, British Royal Air Force and Royal Netherlands East Indies Air Force. Japanese aircrews also targeted civil infrastructure, including harbours, civil airfields, railways and fuel tanks. Many civilians were also killed.
Early Japanese air raids
The Japanese conducted a series of air raids on Australia during February and March 1942. These raids sought to prevent the Allies from using bases in northern Australia to contest the conquest of the Netherlands East Indies.
The first air raid on Darwin
Main article: Bombing of Darwin
The bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942 was both the first and the largest attack mounted by Japan against mainland Australia. On 19 February four Japanese aircraft carriers (Akagi, Kaga, Hiryū and Sōryū) launched a total of 188 aircraft from a position in the Timor Sea. These 188 naval aircraft inflicted heavy damage on Darwin and sank nine ships. A raid conducted by 54 land based bombers later the same day inflicted further damage on the town and RAAF Base Darwin and resulted in the destruction of 20 military aircraft. Allied casualties were 251 killed and between 300 and 400 wounded, the majority of whom were non-Australian Allied sailors. Only four Japanese aircraft were confirmed to have been destroyed by Darwin's defenders. The four Japanese aircraft carriers involved in the attack on Darwin were sunk during the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
The attack on Broome
Main article: Attack on BroomeOn 3 March 1942 nine Japanese Zero fighters attacked the town of Broome, in northern Western Australia. Although Broome was a small town, it had become a significant air base and route of escape for refugees and retreating military personnel, following the Japanese invasion of Java. The attack consisted of strafing runs by the Zeroes and no bombs were dropped; however, at least 88 Allied civilians and military personnel were killed in this attack and 22 aircraft were lost. As Broome was almost undefended, Japanese losses were light, with only a single Zero being shot down over Broome and another one failing to reach its base.
Attacks on north Queensland, July 1942
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Japanese naval flying boats conducted four small air raids on the north Queensland towns of Townsville and Mossman during late July 1942. Townsville, which was an important military base, was raided by Japanese flying boats on three nights in late July 1942. On the night of 25-26 July the town was attacked by three flying boats but did not suffer any damage as the six bombs dropped by these aircraft fell into the sea. Townsville was attacked for the second time in the early hours of 28 July when a single flying boat dropped eight bombs which landed in bushland outside the town. Six P-39 Aircobras unsuccessfully attempted to intercept the Japanese aircraft. The third raid on Townsville occurred on the night of 29 July when a single flying boat again attacked the town, dropping six bombs into the sea and a seventh which lightly damaged the town's racecourse. This aircraft was intercepted by four Aircobras and was damaged. The fourth raid on north Queensland occurred on the night of 31 July when a single flying boat dropped a bomb which exploded near a house outside of Mossman, injuring a child.
List of attacks by date
1942
February
19: (10.00 a.m.) Darwin, Northern Territory (NT)
19: (11.55 a.m.) Darwin, NT
19: Bathurst Island, NT
20: 11.30 Off Cape Londonderry, Western Australia (WA). MV Koolama damaged by a Kawanishi H6K flying boat. Attacked again at 1.30pm and severely damaged, with injuries to three passengers.
21: Rulhieres Bay, WA (later known as Koolama Bay) Koolama attacked again, no damage or injuries.
March
3: (9.20am) Broome, WA. Attack on Broome: a strafing raid by nine Mitsubishi Zeroes. At least 88 people were killed and 24 Allied aircraft were destroyed.
3: (~10.30am) Carnot Bay, WA. PK-AFV (Pelikaan), a Douglas DC-3 airliner owned by KLM, was shot down by Zeroes returning from the attack on Broome. It crash-landed 80km (50 mi) north of Broome. Four passengers were killed. Diamonds worth £150,000-300,000 were lost or stolen following the crash.
3: Wyndham, WA. Strafing attack by Zeroes. No casualties. Koolama, which is in port by this time (see above), sinks as an indirect result of the attack.
3: Wyndham Airfield, WA
4: Wreckage and passengers from PK-AFV attacked again by a Kawanishi H6K flying boat, no damage or casualties.
4: (2.00 p.m.) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
14: Horn Island, Queensland (Qld)
16: (1.30 p.m.) Darwin RAAF Airfield and Bagot, NT
17: Darwin, NT
18: Horn Island, Qld
19: (11.40 a.m.) Darwin (Myilly Point and Larrakeyah), NT
20: Broome Airfield, WA. Attack by Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" heavy bombers. One civilian killed. Minor damage to airfield.
20: Derby, WA
22: (00.51 a.m.) Darwin, NT
22: Katherine, NT
23: Darwin, NT
23: Wyndham, WA
23: Wyndham, WA
28: (12.30 pm) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
30: (05.40 a.m.?) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
30: Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
31: (1:20 pm) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
31: (10:19 pm) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
April
2: (3:30 pm) Darwin (Harvey St, McMinn St, Shell Oil Tanks), NT
2: Sattler Airfield, NT
4: (1:48 pm) Darwin Civil Airfield and Parap Hotel, NT
5: (12:29 pm) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
25: (2:00 pm) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
27: (12:07 pm) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
30: Horn Island, QLD
May
June
13: (11:52 am) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
14: (1:14 pm) Darwin (town area), NT
15: (12:20 pm) Darwin (Larrakeyah to Stokes Hill), NT
16: (12:01pm) Darwin (town area), NT
26: (8.50 p.m.) Darwin, NT
July
7: Horn Island, Qld
25: (8:50 pm) Darwin (town area), NT
26: Townsville, Qld
26: (9:39-10:54 pm) Darwin (Vesteys Meatworks), NT
27: (10:27 pm) Knuckey's Lagoon, Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
28: (00:45 am) Darwin RAAF airfield, NT
28: Townsville, Qld
29: (00:59 am) Darwin (town area) and Knuckey's Lagoon, NT.
29: Townsville, Qld
30: (03:58 am) Darwin (town area) and Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
30: Horn Island, Qld
30: Port Hedland, WA.
31: Mossman, Qld
31: (1.33 p.m.) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
August
1: Horn Island, Qld
21: Wyndham, WA
23: (12:12 pm) Hughes Airfield, NT
24: (9:24 pm) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
24: (10:14 pm) Noonamah, NT
25: (00:05 am) Darwin and Parap, NT
27: (03:45-05:37 am) Darwin (Botanical Gardens) and Cox Peninsula, NT
28: (03:35 am) Darwin (Railway Yards and Port Patterson), NT
30: (02:39 am) Darwin (town area), NT
31: (05:14 am) Darwin (town area) and Cox Peninsula), NT
September
25: (03:41 am) Darwin (town area) and Knuckey's Lagoon, NT
25: (05:48 am) Darwin (town area and Daly Street Bridge), NT
26: (05:22 am) Livingstone Airfield, NT
27: (04:56 am) Bynoe Harbour, NT
27: (05:44 am) Darwin (town area) (Frances Bay)
October
10: Horn Island, Qld
24: (04:42 hrs) Batchelor Airfield
24: (04:52 am) Pell Airfield
24: (04:57 am) Cox Peninsula
24: (05:12 am) Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
25: (05:30 am) Darwin (town area) and Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
26: (04:54 am) Darwin (town area) and Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
27: (02:20 am) Darwin (town area) and Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
November
23: (03:00-04:39 am) Darwin (town area) and Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
23: Coomalie Creek Airfield, NT
26: (03.20 a.m.) Darwin (town area), Strauss Airfield and Hughes Airfield, NT
27: (03:56- 04:46 am) Coomalie Creek, Hughes Airfield and Strauss Airfield, NT
December
1943
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January
20: (10:44 pm-00:15 am) Searchlight station, AWC Camp, Ironstone, NT
21: (9:54 pm) Darwin (Frances Bay), NT
22: (1.30pm) HMAS Patricia Cam sunk, near Wessel Islands, NT.
February
March
2: (2:34 pm) Coomalie Creek Airfield, NT
15: (11:20 am) Darwin (oil tanks), NT
April
May
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2: (10:15 am) Darwin RAAF Airfield and Darwin Floating Dock, NT
9: Millingimbi, NT
10: Millingimbi, NT. The cutter HMAS Maroubra was sunk.
20: Exmouth Gulf, WA
21: Exmouth Gulf, WA
28: Millingimbi, NT
June
18: Horn Island, Qld
20: (10:43 am) Winnellie and Darwin RAAF Airfield, NT
28: (11:07 am) Vesteys, NT
30: (12:30pm) Fenton Airfield, NT
July
6: (12:02pm) Fenton Airfield, NT
August
13: (9:45pm) Fenton Airfield, NT
13: (11:12 pm) Fenton Airfield and Coomalie Creek Airfield, NT
13: (11.42 pm) Coomalie Creek Airfield, NT
14: Long Airfield, NT
17: Port Hedland, WA
21: (00:37 am) Fenton Airfield and Coomalie Creek Airfield, NT
21: (03:30 am) Pell Airfield, NT
September
15: (00:25 am) Fenton Airfield and Long Airfield, NT
15: Onslow, WA. (The southernmost air raid in Australia.)
16: Exmouth Gulf, WA
18: (03:50 am) Fenton Airfield and Long Airfield, NT
27: Drysdale River Mission (Kalumburu) airfield, WA. One fatality, Father Thomas Gil, the superior of the mission.
October
November
10: Coomalie Creek Airfield, NT
12: (03:53-05:30 am) Parap, Adelaide River and Batchelor Airfield, NT
Notes
- Tom Lewis (2003). A War at Home. A Comprehensive guide to the first Japanese attacks on Darwin. Tall Stories, Darwin. Page 16.
- David Jenkins (1992), Battle Surface! Japan's Submarine War Against Australia 1942-44. Random House Australia, Sydney. Pages 118-120 and Lewis (2003). Pages 63-71.
- Gillison (1962). Pages 562-563.
- Crowdey, Vanessa (1999). "The day the bombs fell" (PDF). Wartime (8): Pg 46–49. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
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References
- ozatwar.com, "Japanese Air Raids in Australia During WW2"
- diggerhistory.info "Attacks on the Australian mainland in WW2"
- Australian War Memorial, "Air raids on Australian mainland – Second World War"
- Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Inc, veterans association's list of 43 air raids (excluding reconnaissance flights)
- Charnwood, Don (1986). "The north Australian Air War, 1942-44". Journal of the Australian War Memorial (No. 8, April 1986): Pages 33–45. ISBN 07296274.
{{cite journal}}:|issue=has extra text (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Gillison, Douglas (1962). History of Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 3 - Air. Volume I – Royal Australian Air Force, 1939–1942. Canberra: Australian War Memorial.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Tom Lewis (2003). A War at Home. A Comprehensive guide to the first Japanese attacks on Darwin. Tall Stories, Darwin. ISBN 0-9577351-0-3
- Odgers, George (1968). History of Australia in the War of 1939–1945. Series 3 - Air. Volume II – Air War Against Japan, 1943–1945. Canberra: Australian War Memorial.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)