7 February 1942

The threat of further air raids & possible invasion prompts increased security awareness in Moresby with the young garrison sentries ordered to use passwords that change daily.

The troops of 39^th Battalion receive orders not to light fires during hours of darkness as they will provide obvious beacons for the expected continuing air raids.

Although Moresby Command has been warned of a possible Japanese invasion, the Diggers of 39^th, 49^th & 53^rd Battalions are still being used as guards and labourers, with no training in jungle fighting.

6 February 1942

Young garrison troops of 49^th Militia Battalion are seen to join in the looting, prompted by recent Japanese air raids on Moresby.

Many reason that they might as well join in the growing looting as the town is likely to be destroyed anyway. Morale amongst the inexperienced garrison troops is low as they continue to be used is labourers, building defences and loading and unloading supplies and munitions from ships and aircraft.

4 February 1942

The second successive Japanese air raid on Moresby, aimed at the aerodrome and the harbor. Little damage but more natives take to the bush and a growing sense of tension among civilians continues to build.

Security tightens and the 39^th Battalion at 7 Mile Camp issues daily password.

3 February 1942

The first Japanese air raid on Port Moresby arrives without warning around 3am. Only superficial damage but the action prompts a major exodus from the city. One soldier, and one civilian are injured in the ensuing chaos.

The situation degenerates during the day as many natives and the remaining European civilians begin to leave the town. Some isolated reports of looting of stores filter in as the sense of panic rises.

2 February 1942

Young Diggers of 39^th Bn take break from digging dfeneces to watch three Lockheed Hudson bombers take off from Moresby Aerodrome. Some hours they receive a reality check when only two of them return.

Australian Army HQ warns New Guinea commander, Gen Basil Morris, that intelligence suggests the Japanese may land an invasion force on the north coast of Papua, aiming to attack Moresby over the Owen Stanley Range. Morris orders redoubling of work on defences.