Today thousands of people have gathered in Darwin to mark 70 years to the day since bombs rained down on the city, bringing World War II to Australia’s shores for the first time. As we remember the 70th bombing anniversary of Darwin I felt the words from the ABC broadcast sum up the emotion at seeing 188 Japanese aircraft approaching Darwin on the 19th February, 1942.

“…In the clear blue Darwin sky the aircraft looked like a gravesite with black crosses crossing a blue field…” 

The Federal Government will make February 19 an official day of remembrance to acknowledge those killed when Japan began bombing Darwin in 1942.

Photograph and words www.abc.net.au