USS Peary Bunkers at East Point Darwin Wharf The Mullen Sisters Lieutenant Rice and Lieutenant McMahon joined the action over Shoal Bay. Rice’s plane was damaged so he had to parachute into the sea. McMahon’s plane was also damaged. By flying along the coast and circling over the burning ships, he attempted to return to base, but was barred by Japanese dive bombers strafing Catalina flying boats. With smoke and boiling engine oil blocking his view, McMahon also had to parachute. Both pilots were rescued. Australian anti-aircraft gunners had spotted the Japanese attack force south east of Darwin and first thought they were US reinforcements until bombs started falling. Darwin was caught offguard. As the battle raged in Darwin Harbour the USS Peary was dive-bombed and sunk. Tragically 88 crew-members went down with her. The ship had returned to port only hours earlier, after searching for a Japanese submarine. By about 10.30am Japanese planes had left the area. Then, just before midday, there was a high altitude attack by land- based bombers. With little opposition, they pattern bombed, destroying civilian and military facilities. The bombing of Darwin was censored from the Australian public to preserve morale. But the tragic loss of the post master, his family and staff could not be censored. Sisters Eileen and Jean Mullen, telephonists, had bravely elected to stay when others were evacuated. Their deaths at the Post Office captured the hearts of the nation. After the raids, Darwin was devastated, command was in confusion with a loss of communication. Some personnel ended up in Adelaide River. Later order was restored, units returned to Darwin and military defences strengthened. When the first attack on Darwin occurred, the only air defence were a few American pilots in their Kittyhawks. Later, squadrons of Spitfires, with radar support, changed the balance to a more even fight between raiders and defenders. Beaufighter planes and crews were also sent to the area and stationed at Coomalie Creek, south of Darwin. Known as ‘whistling death’, by the Japanese, they were fast and famous for low flying attacks, avoiding enemy radar. Beaufighters greatly assisted in turning the tide of the war. The air attacks continued until November 1943. The NT was bombed 64 times. Later attacks were not as severe and better defended. “They clashed right overhead. They ranged from 25,000 feet to almost ground level...Planes wheeling milling, machine guns...Planes on fire, pilots bailing out, men dying...” – Cliff Taylor gunner 1943. “We blokes of the air crews seem to get all the praise...the chaps of the ground crew are doing all the hard work...they would do anything, work any hours to keep us in the air” – A fighter pilot. Other towns in Northern Australia were also targets. A number of places in Darwin have historical significance. On that fateful day of 19th February 1942, Australia changed its way. Three of the ten ships sunk were American with huge loss of life. Over the coming war years, thousands of Americans fought alongside Australians and forged a great alliance that continues today. More than seven decades later Darwin remembers events of February 19, 1942 with a ceremony. Many Australian and American veterans return each year to recognise the sacrifice of those that stood firm in Australia’s darkest hour. Bibliology: National Archives Australia, Dr Tom Lewis OAM, Australian Aviation Heritage Centre 162 Australia’s Explorers’ Way
