HORSHAM College school captain Maddison Crough believes it is important Wimmera students are educated about the bombing of Darwin to ensure the events of the past are not repeated in the future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
‘‘Everyone should understand what they did and why we are lucky to be free,’’ she said.
‘‘Many of those who went to war were the same age as we are today.
‘‘I can’t imagine any of my friends going and doing what they did.’’
Students played a major role in yesterday’s 73rd commemoration of the first battle for Australia on Australian soil.
Large contingents from Horsham College and St Brigid’s College in Horsham, and representatives from Dimboola Memorial Secondary College and Horsham Primary School joined veterans and community members at the annual Darwin Defenders commemoration service in Horsham College’s Ian O. Maroske Hall.
At 9.58am on February 19, 1942, Darwin was devastated by an attack of 242 Japanese aircraft.
It was the first time Australia had been attacked by foreign enemy forces.
Guest speaker Dr John Nunn detailed the history of the bombing, which included 64 air raids between 1942 and and November 12, 1943.
‘‘In his book, Bob Wurth highlights 1942 as the year of greatest peril in the history of Australia,’’ he said.
‘‘It was a year of serious and immediate danger to our nation because, for the first time in our nation’s history, Australia was under the threat of invasion by the Japanese.’’
Dr Nunn said Wimmera residents played a vital role in protecting Australia from the Japanese path of destruction.
‘‘One of the units in Darwin was the 19th Machine Gun Battalion. Most of the members of that battalion came from the Wimmera here in Victoria. There were four squadrons in that battalion. A, B and C squadrons were based along the beach in readiness for the invasion.
‘‘The raids caused injury, fear, death and destruction.
‘‘I want to salute you for what you did for us in those years.’’
‘‘We are indebted to them for their courageous stand against the enemy aircraft’’ -
- Dr John Nunn
The administration of the day said 243 people were killed.
The then-mayor of Darwin said 900, while Army intelligence estimated about 1100.
Hundreds more were injured.
Eight ships were sunk in Darwin harbour and 23 RAAF and American aeroplanes destroyed.
Dr Nunn also spoke of the importance of the Kokoda campaign and the Battle of the Coral Sea in saving Australia from invasion.
‘‘Today, you and I and all Australians are fortunate this magnificent country did not fall into enemy hands in 1942,’’ he said.
‘‘It didn’t do so because of the sacrifice, the bravery and the determination of those who fought to stop the invasion and defeat the Japanese.
"Today we give thanks to all Darwin Defenders for their crucial role in defending Darwin.
‘‘It is important to have the ceremony on February 19 each year to show our appreciation for the men of the 19th Machine Gun Battalion and the 8th Battalion.
‘‘We are indebted to them for their courageous stand against the enemy aircraft.’’
Dr Nunn paid tribute to the Darwin Defenders Association for ensuring the event was commemorated each year.
Yesterday’s service included a wreath-laying ceremony and performances by the Natimuk Brass Band.
Darwin Defenders Association Horsham branch secretary.
Lynne Wright said the service ran well.
‘‘Unfortunately community numbers were down this year – people are getting older and there was a big bus trip to the Shrine of Remembrance yesterday,’’ she said.
‘‘I was really pleased to see the large number of school students involved though.
‘‘We would love to see more schools become involved in the future.’’
Ms Wright thanked all those who attended, particularly Dr Nunn, the servicemen and the Natimuk Brass Band.
‘‘We also have to thank Woodfords for running a free bus service,’’ she said.
‘‘We hope more people take advantage of it at future services.’’
Ms Wright said the committee met four times a year and was looking for new members.
She said people could call her on 5382 6361 for more details.