This Sunday marks the 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, the largest war time event ever mounted on Australian soil.

On the morning of Thursday 19th February 1942, Japanese forces mounted two air raids on Darwin and the Tiwi Islands in a matter of hours.

During the attack, 243 people were killed and up to 400 people were wounded. Defence aircraft and naval ships were lost and much of Darwin’s infrastructure was damaged, including the newly built Darwin Hospital.

Top End Health Service Board deputy chair Diane Walsh will attend the Bombing of Darwin commemoration on Sunday to lay a wreath in recognition of the health response during and after the bombing.

Six bombs fell on the new Darwin Hospital at Myilly Point during the first raid and all patients and staff were relocated to two Army hospitals at Adelaide River and Katherine.

Recognising the danger they were in, half of Darwin’s population quickly travelled interstate after the bombing, but a dedicated group of medical staff remained. These doctors and nurses played a crucial role in aftermath of the attack, delivering emergency medical care to soldiers and civilians under extenuating circumstances. 

The air attacks on northern Australia continued until November 1943, by which time the Japanese had raided the Top End over 200 times. The last enemy plane was shot down in Australia in June 1944.

The way we prepare for and respond to disasters and medical emergencies is shaped by events like the Bombing of Darwin. Our modern-day health response to disasters is much different, with more focus on preparedness. Today, improved communications technology enables more awareness of events in our region and advances in medicine and nursing have led to better emergency practices.

The 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service will be held at the Cenotaph, on The Esplanade, this Sunday from 9:30am - 10:45am.

The Northern Territory Government has also developed a Territory Remembers program aimed at increasing awareness of the Territory’s involvement in World War II. The program offers an insight into our rich military history. For more information visit http://www.territoryremembers.nt.gov.au/

The National Library of Australia archives are also filled with historical images, newspaper articles, books and more. Visit http://trove.nla.gov.au/result?q=bombing+Darwin+hospital