17 February 1942

Just before first light a Japanese float-plane flies low over Sydney, undetected and unchallenged.

Launched from submarine I-25, it flies in over La Perouse and Botany Bay, then heads out to Parramatta and back along the south side of the harbor, over Ryde and Willoughby and North Head as it returns to rendezvous with its mother sub about 100km east of the harbor.

Word of the flight leaks out and bring increased tensions in Sydney, with renewed tests for blackouts in the city.

16 February 1942

Actions stations again at Moresby as a Japanese heavy bomber flies a reconnaissance sortie high over the city.

Anti-aircraft crews spring into action and their accurate shooting damage the aircraft and drive it away. The rest of the day is clear of incident.

15 February 1942

Solemn occasion in Moresby as the Papuan Administrator and his Councillors officially hand over all powers to a Military Administration led by Major-General Basil Morris and leave for Australia.

From this day until 1946, all government powers in the Territory will be held by the Commander of the Army.

14 February 1942

Great activity as civilians are evacuated from Kokoda and the northern areas of Papua by air from Kokoda airstrip as Moresby receives official reports that Singapore has fallen.

A huge pall falls over the garrison troops as they realize thousands of their comrades from the AIF’s 8^th Division are now dead or prisoners of war.

The Diggers in Moresby are informed that the Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU) is being formed from local police and patrol officers to assist in the defence of the country.

13 February 1942

The young garrison troops of 39^th Battalion have now laid around 40km of wires for telephone lines connecting all defensive positions around Moresby, with wirelesses as standby in case of line breaks.

At last their focus is directed to military pursuits but High Command is convinced Moresby will be the target for invasion and the young Diggers are still used to strengthen the city’s defences, rather than gaining experience in jungle fighting.