26 January 1942

Australia Day 1942 and Diggers and air crew still cleaning up after two aircraft are destroyed at Port Moresby Aerodrome by the first Japanese daylight bombing raid to hit there: 9 bombers with 3 fighter escorts from Rabaul suddenly appeared and attacked on Jan 24 between 2 and 3pm. No casualties are reported.

The Australian Militia Battalions garrisoning Port Moresby harbour and aerodrome are now on heightened alert and re-double their efforts to complete defensive positions in the area.