20 February 1942

The strange confusion of priorities continues in Moresby as at least 75 troops from 53^rd Battalion are used for labouring on wharves and picquet duty in Moresby. These inexperienced Militia troops have had little formal military, and still no jungle training.

In Darwin, about half of the city’s population flees south, heading for Adelaide River and the train south. Many military personnel also join the exodus and chaos grips the city after yesterday's first Japanese bombing raid.