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Holden Commodore VY or VZ Burnt out on 28/9/2014 or 29th. North East Road in
Millbrook
Plate ended in 508 or starts in B07 or B0Z.
On the Bay to Birdwood event.
2015
IMG_9854
The Commodores put on a fantastic show in Citrus Heights, California: part of the Sunrise at Night concert series, the show was held in the open air before what looked like a capacity crowd. Much-loved songs and lots of energy.
For more information on the concert series, see sunrisemarketplace.com
The Bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942 was the largest attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australian soil. Conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy, the assault aimed to disrupt the Allied presence in the region and pave the way for Japan’s expansion in the Pacific. This devastating attack brought the realities of World War II to Australia's doorstep, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.
At the time of the attack, Darwin was a crucial military base, serving as a key port for Australian and Allied forces. The city’s strategic location made it an important hub for the defence of northern Australia and operations in the Pacific. Japanese forces had already advanced through Southeast Asia, capturing Malaya and Singapore in early February 1942. With these victories, the Japanese sought to neutralise Australia’s northern defences to prevent interference with their planned invasions of Timor and Java.
Although intelligence reports had warned of an imminent attack, Darwin was poorly defended. Many military personnel had been deployed elsewhere, and the city's anti-aircraft defences were inadequate. Despite some preparations, Darwin was ill-equipped to withstand a major aerial assault.
On the morning of 19 February 1942, at approximately 9:58 am, the first wave of Japanese aircraft descended upon Darwin. This initial assault involved 188 aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and dive bombers, launched from four aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea. The attack was meticulously planned, drawing upon tactics used in the bombing of Pearl Harbor just two months earlier.
The first targets included Darwin’s harbour, military bases, and key infrastructure. Japanese bombers struck ships anchored in the harbour, sinking several, including the USS Peary, an American destroyer, and the MV Neptuna, which exploded while carrying munitions. The civilian wharf area was devastated, and several oil storage tanks were set ablaze, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
A second raid followed at around 11:45 am, carried out by high-altitude bombers. This wave targeted the RAAF airfield, destroying aircraft on the ground and further crippling Australia’s northern defences. The combined attacks caused widespread destruction and chaos, leaving much of Darwin’s infrastructure in ruins.
The bombing resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage. At least 235 people were killed, and between 300 and 400 others were wounded. Many of the casualties were military personnel, dockworkers, and civilians caught in the destruction. The attack also destroyed 30 aircraft, sank eight ships, and severely damaged many others.
Beyond the immediate destruction, the psychological impact on Australia was profound. The attack shattered any lingering belief that Australia was beyond the reach of the war, prompting fears of a Japanese invasion. In the aftermath, thousands of civilians fled south, leading to widespread panic. This exodus, often referred to as the “Darwin panic,” highlighted the shock and unpreparedness of both the government and the public.
The Australian government imposed strict censorship on reporting the attack to prevent widespread fear and to maintain morale. Initially, the extent of the damage and casualties was downplayed, but as details emerged, public confidence in the government’s ability to defend the country was shaken.
The Bombing of Darwin was the first of over 100 air raids against northern Australia during World War II. It underscored the vulnerability of Australia’s northern regions and led to a significant strengthening of the nation’s defences. The event also deepened Australia’s reliance on the United States, reinforcing military alliances that would shape the country’s future.
Today, the bombing is commemorated annually on the 19th of February as a National Day of Observance, ensuring that the bravery and sacrifices of those affected are never forgotten. The attack remains a crucial chapter in Australian history, symbolising resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of preparedness in national defence.
From "Flags of the World"
The flag is blue and inscribed "Don't Give Up the Ship" which were the dying words of Captain James Lawrence aboard USS Chesapeake in her fight with HMS Shannon on June 1, 1813.
This was the battle flag of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, first aboard USS Lawrence and then aboard USS Niagara at the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. In that battle, the U.S. squadron consisting of Lawrence, Niagara, and 7 smaller vessels captured the British squadron (HMS Detroit, HMS Charlotte, and 4 smaller vessels, apparently the only time in history an entire squadron of the Royal Navy has been captured intact. Perry's original flag is preserved at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.