19 February 1942

For the first time, the Australian mainland comes under attack as Japanese bombers hit Darwin twice today. The raid is bigger than Pearl Harbour and will be followed by 63 more bombing raids on the city through to November 1943.

Planned and led by the same commander responsible for Pearl Harbour 10 weeks ago, the attack comprises 54 land-based bombers and 188 attack aircraft from four aircraft-carriers in the Timor Sea.

Just before 10am heavy bombers escorted by Zero fighters pattern-bomb the town and harbor and then attack shipping, airstrips and even the Berrimah Hospital. A second raid follows about an hour later.

The raids kill at least 243 and wound between 300 and 400 and sink 8 ships and destroy 20 aircraft.