81st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
Commemoration Service – Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
Sunday 19th February 2023 marked the 81st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. In 2023, to enable schools to attend the commemoration, the service was held on Monday 20th February.
It was with the support of the Veterans Council of Victoria; the Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 was able to hold the service on the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance.
The service honours those who served and those who died during the attacks on Darwin during 1942 - 1945. It is an opportunity for veterans, their families, dignitaries, and school students to participate in a respectful service that aims to remind us of the cost of preserving peace and democracy in Australia. This part of our history is often overlooked, but the service at the Shrine provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon the events that were tragically significant in Australia’s History.
On a beautiful Melbourne morning, Shrine Governor, Colonel John Coulson OAM, RFD ED (Retired) welcomed many dignitaries, families of veterans, school students & teachers to the Shrine on the auspicious occasion on the 81st Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin.
It is with sadness that we share the news of Alan Day’s passing on the 25th July 2022.
Alan had reached his 100 years in February this year and he was absolutely thrilled with all the official recognition – especially the card from the Queen!
In early June, Robyn, Michele and I (from the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Melbourne group) were able to visit him at Vasey RSL Care at Frankston South for a special Air Force Association Centenary presentation.
The Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Melbourne will miss Alan as President and great supporter.
Alan had called Mornington home and for many years he tirelessly assisted in fundraising for Legacy, War Widows Guild and the Weary Dunlop Foundation. He moved to Vasey RSL Care at Frankston South in 2021.
It is always a time of sadness to attend a funeral – a sad time for family and friends farewelling someone they loved, someone who had impacted their lives, someone who had a made a difference in the community … and in the case of Alan Day … someone who had lived 100 years serving many of those years serving his country with pride.
However, a long life of 100 years – is a life filled with many happy memories for families, many friends, neighbours, and colleagues.
At Alan’s funeral service at Bunurong Memorial Park, the Celebrant – Mr Alan Stubbs gave a beautiful eulogy …
Alan could best be described as a very giving man who wanted nothing in return for his kindness, hard work and the care he showed to his family, his country and the communities in which he lived.
Alan possessed a ‘happy-go-lucky’ personality and was quite the jokester with wonderful people skills.
He never took offence and simply wanted those with whom he interacted to be happy in his presence.
A clever man, Alan possessed the innate ability to communicate happily and easily with people from all walks of life and cultures.
Clearly, Alan left this world a better place.
To quote Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — that is to have succeeded.”
As a society and as a community, we are the poorer when people such as Alan Richard Day leave our midst.
We shall miss Alan at our meetings and even more so on the 19th February each year as we commemorate the Bombing of Darwin in 1942.
Lest we forget.
June 2022
80th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin – Saturday 19th February 2021
Saturday 19th February 2022 marked the 80th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. With bright clear blue skies and the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions, the Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 was able to hold the service on the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance.
The service honours those who served and those who died during the attacks on Darwin during 1942 - 1945. It is an opportunity for veterans, their families, dignitaries and school students to participate in a respectful service that aims to remind us of the cost of preserving peace and democracy in Australia.
This part of our history is often overlooked, but the service at the Shrine provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon the events that were tragically significant in Australia’s History.
This was highlighted by the keynote given by Rear Admiral John Lord AM (Retired) 80 Years and Learning from History ... marking key events in our history, taking the time to stop and remember, and ensuring they are commemorated into the future, reminds us of our history, our development, and how we have become the country we are.
With many schools imposing excursion restrictions due to COVID-19, it was wonderful to have students from Ashwood High School, Christ Church Grammar School and Puckapunyal Primary School attend the service. Student Gemma Koch from Puckapunyal PS commented … We read out the Darwin Defenders Day Memorial poem written by Darwin Defenders President, Alan Day and laid a wreath with many others alongside the eternal flame. It was a very special day.
MC for the service, Mr Tim Gurry OAM acknowledged and thanked the inestimable number of Indigenous people who served Australia during both WW1 and WW2 and continue to serve today. Many Aboriginal people joined military units, others became auxiliary workers to the Defence Force - becoming guides in the outback and providing material support. Some joined semi-uniformed units such as the coast watchers, Naval and Marine sections.
The Music for the service was provided by the Australian Army Band Melbourne and the Catafalque party attended from HMAS Cerberus. The Ode was recited by Dr Robert Webster OAM, President of RSL Victoria and Reverend Siôn Gough Hughes from the Wesley Church in Melbourne led the prayers.
Wreaths were laid by representatives from State Government, City of Melbourne, Navy, Air Force, Army, The Consular Corps including Consulate General of Japan, United States of America, Great Britain and New Zealand. The ex-service community was represented including the Air Force Association (Mr Max McGregor), Legacy, The Victorian RSL, American Ex-Servicemen’s Association & Department of Veterans Affairs Victoria.
The concluding song by Gary Luck – “Blood on the Frangipani” was a beautiful musical tribute to his father and all those that had served during WWII.
The 80th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin was supported by the Victorian Government and the Victorian Veterans Council, and we are so grateful that they have continued to acknowledge the importance of this day in the commemoration calendar for Victorians.
79th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin – Friday 19th February 2021
“Bombing of Darwin Day marks an attack that is etched in Australia’s history and this year we mark 10 years since the inaugural national day of observance in 2011.”
The Hon Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel
The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 were once again honoured and privileged to be able to organise the 79th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on Friday 19th February 2021.
As we farewelled our veterans, families, school students and dignitaries at the conclusion of the Darwin Defenders service in 2020, little did know that the Shrine of Remembrance would not host another service on the forecourt for 12 months.
2020 became the year of COVID-19. We learned new words and a total new way of living – living alone and disconnected to our communities. We sadly watched the news of countries losing thousands upon thousands of their citizens, we watched families unable to be with loved ones as they died alone – situations evolved that we never thought possible. We stayed home to keep our communities safe. We often struggled to keep motivated, and we learnt new ways of living safely by following guidance from our leaders.
After months of lockdown and curfews in 2020, we hoped that all our planning for the 2021 would come to fruition. With only a week to go – a sudden lockdown was imposed for 5 days in Melbourne and we held our breath waiting for the Government announcement 2 days before the event.
2021 Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Commemoration Service:
Friday 19 February 2021 10:00am – Shrine Forecourt
The Darwin Defenders 1942-1945 Commemoration Ceremony will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance, on Friday February 19 2021 at 10:00am noon, the 79th anniversary of the day that Darwin was bombed and war came to Australia.
The ceremony will honour those who served and those who died during the attacks on Darwin during 1942 - 1945.
It is an opportunity for veterans, their families, dignitaries and school students from across Melbourne & regional Victoria to participate in a moving ceremony that aims to remind us all of the cost of preserving peace and democracy in Australia.
78th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
Commemoration Service – Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 were once again honoured and privileged to be able to organise the 78th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on Wednesday 19th February 2020.
Accompanied by music of The Royal Australian Navy Band directed by Band Master Sharon Jarvis CPOMUSN, President Alan Day lead the march of the Darwin Defenders banner from the flagpoles to the flame.
Sadly, due to the unseasonable weather, the heavy cloud cover and the prospect of rain, for the first time in many years, we were unable to have the Point Cook Flypast of Museum aircraft.
77th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
Commemoration Service – Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-1945 were once again honoured and privileged to be able to organise the 77th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on Tuesday 19th February 2019.
Accompanied by music of The Air Force Band directed by Flight Lieutenant Daniel Phillips, President Alan Day lead the march of the Darwin Defenders banner from the flagpoles to the flame.
An incredible flypast of 5 vintage aircraft from the Point Cook Air Museum was certainly a highlight for the many attending Veterans, families, VIPs, teachers, students and the general public. We are privileged that Squadron Leader Glen Coy and his team are able to support this auspicious occasion.
Master of Ceremonies, Mr Tim Gurry OAM, expertly guided the service.
With welcomes from Shrine Governor, Colonel John Coulson OAM RFD ED (Retired) and Patron of the Darwin Defenders Melbourne Branch, Rear Admiral John Lord AM, the service began with dignity, respect and acknowledgement of the sacrifices made in 1942.
Bombing of Darwin survivor Herbert Kriloff dies aged 103
A survivor of the biggest World War II attack on Australian shores, Commander Herbert Kriloff, is remembered as "one of the pioneers, in more ways than one, of the alliance between the United States and Australia, which binds our two nations together today". Read the full story
The Darwin Defenders 1942-45 is very pleased to promote Anne Connor's book "Two Generations". A story that shines a light on the north of Australia under attack during WWII.
Anne's book contains the history of the then little known frontier town of Darwin and is based on research carried out at the NT Archival Centre, the Australian War Memorial, history books, footage of the events and discussions with veterans who were there. It is written personally based on true stories. This takes the reader into the scenes, which at times are harrowing.
Anne says … my father, Jock Connor, was a gunner and signalman with the 2/14th Australian Field Regiment. He was based in Darwin during the bombings. When I traveled to Darwin in 2012 to attend the 70th Commemoration of the bombing, I was shocked at the history of the town and my thoughts kept landing in the same place; 'Why didn't I know about this. Why don't Australian's know about this?'
The book also covers fighting in Lae New Guinea, where my father was involved in a tragic accident with ramifications that resonated within my family. The story is an 'every-family' story as every family has had someone who has gone to war and been impacted by that.
We are also very please that Anne has accepted our invitation to be the guest speaker at the 77th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service at the Shrine on the 19th February.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the book "Two Generations", please contact anneconnor718@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
Battle for Australia 1941-1945
Commemoration Ceremony - Shrine of Remembrance
It was beautiful Spring day in Melbourne for the 75th Anniversary of 1943 – The Tide Begins to Turn – a commemorative service to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of Australians and allies who endured and repulsed the Japanese attacks on Australian and in the islands to our north.
Alan Day, Robyn Bell, Michele Gallin, Tim Gurry and Bernadette Lightfoot represented the Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45.
It was an honour for Alan Day to be mentioned several times during the service by the MC, Mr Paul Sheahan AM – Mr Sheahan acknowledged Alan’s service to Australia during the second world war.
The Battle for Australia Committee presented an exceptional service – which included impressive student presentations describing the Battle of Buna, Gona , Salamaua and Lae.
A highlight of this year’s service was the Keynote Address by Wing Commander Sharon Bown (Retd) – and a copy can be found here of her inspirational speech.
PHOTO: Mr Alan Day KCSJ-FAIM, Wing Commander Sharon Bown (Retd) and Col John Coulson OAM RFD ED (Retd).
FEBRUARY 2018
76th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Service at the Shrine
The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 were once again honoured and privileged to be able to organise the 76th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin at Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne on Monday 19th February 2018.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, good morning. We gather today to remember and commemorate those Australians and American citizens who were killed, injured or otherwise suffered during the bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942. But first a little background information... Continue Reading full address
DECEMBER 2017
2018 Darwin Defenders Commemorative Ceromonies
Melbourne Ceremony
The Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Commemorative ceremony in Melbourne will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance on Monday 19th February 2018 commencing at 10:00am
Graduation Parade for General Entry 349 – Emms Division
The Graduation Parade for General Entry 349 - Emms Division was held on the Recruit School Parade Ground on Friday 31 March 2017. Recruits graduated in front of over 450 family and friends. The Reviewing Officer for the Graduation Parade was Chief of Staff - Fleet Command, Commodore Luke Charles-Jones, CSC, OAM, RAN.
Emms Division is named in honour of Leading Cook Francis Emms, who was serving onboard HMAS Kara Kara when the Japanese conducted an air raid on Darwin in 1942. Eight ships were sunk, dozens of aircraft destroyed and nearly 300 people killed. During the attack Kara Kara was singled out. Emms manned one of the vessels machine guns and continued to return fire even after he had been seriously wounded. His constant and accurate fire forced the Japanese aircraft to break off their attack. Emms dies later that day as a result of the wounds sustained during the attack.
Recruit School is the culmination of 11 weeks of basic training to enable sailors to think for themselves and work with each other. The school provides them with the many skills needed to pass onto a naval career. Teamwork, self-discipline and professionalism are the key attributes developed within Recruits undertaking Recruit training. Recruits are expected to adopt and display in their behaviour and their attitude the Navy values, Honour, Honesty, Courage, Integrity and Loyalty.
It was with great pleasure that several members of the Darwin Defenders Executive Committee attended the Graduation Ceremony at HMAS Cerberus on Friday 31st March 2017. We were able to travel in style to Cerberus courtesy of Mr Chris Thoday from Mercedes Benz Mornington – a very good friend and carer/companion of Alan Day at many veteran ceremonies.
Mr Alan Day, President of the Darwin Defenders presented Recruit Electronics Technician Submariner Stephen Scartaccini with the 'Academic of the Intake' award during his graduation ceremony from General Entry 349 Emms Division held at Recruit School, HMAS Cerberus, Victoria.
The Graduation was a wonderful event and we hope to become more closely connected to Emms Division in the future. We thank Commander Luke Ryan, LEUT Stacey Sutherland, Officer in Charge and CPOB Brian Gordon CSM for their invitation to the ceremony.
FEBRUARY 2017
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
Sunday 19th February 2017 – St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne
Many members of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 community gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday 19th February for the 10:30am Choral Eucharist to commemorate the day ‘War Came to Australia’ and Darwin was bombed.
The Clergy – especially The Revd Cannon Heather Patacca, Precentor – and the parishioners of St Paul’s made us very welcome prior to the service and we were able to mount the Darwin Defenders banner behind the alter for the service.
Ms Michele Gallin (Vice-President) and Mr Brian Neal (RSL Representative) participated in the service by reading the Lessons of the Day.
Acknowledgement and prayers were offered during the service – we are grateful for the opportunity given to us by the community of St Paul’s Cathedral on this day.
We give thanks for those who defended Darwin in 1942.
FEBRUARY 2017
Darwin Defenders Ceremony – 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
On Thursday 16th February 2017 at The Shrine of Remembrance Veterans, representatives from all levels of Government, the ADF, The Consulate-General of Japan, USA Consulate-General, British Consulate-General, War Widows Guild, American Ex-Servicemen’s Association, Veteran families, teachers, students, members of the ex-service organisation community, and friends gathered to commemorate, reflect and acknowledge the sacrifice and courage of the members who served and died during the attacks on Australia especially Darwin, during 1942 – 1945.
It was especially poignant on this 75th Anniversary to welcome Commander Luke Ryan RAN from the RAN Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus and the new recruits from EMMS Division – named after Francis Bassett (Dick) Emms – who bravely served and gave his life in Darwin in 1942 and was subsequently awarded a posthumous Mention in Dispatches – For courage and devotion to duty in HMAS KARA KARA during an enemy air raid on Darwin on 19 February 1942.
Squadron Leader Glen Coy and the RAAF Museum, Point Cook provided a wonderful fly past of museum aircraft to mark the commencement of the Ceremony.
The Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne provided the formal music for the ceremony.
Piper, Mr Alan Davidson played a moving lament whilst Mr Alan Day KCSJ FAIM - President of the Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders marched from the Flag Poles to the Flame. Students from Wesley College Glen Waverley and Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School accompanied Mr Day and held the Darwin Defenders Banner with pride.
Colonel John Coulson OAM RFD ED, Shrine Governor welcomed the attendees to the Shrine and spoke about the significance of the day.
Patron of the Darwin Defenders Melbourne Branch, Rear Admiral John Lord AM (Retired) welcomed everyone and spoke movingly of why it was so important to mark this anniversary with such an auspicious event.
Dr Rosalie Triolo from the Education Faculty of Monash University presented the Keynote Address – Victorian Education Department Teachers and ‘When the War Came to Australia’. She spoke with deep thought and emotion from her years as a young school student to the many young students and guests attending the service. The wonderful stories of Mr Newell and Mr Dare brought to life the sacrifices made in Darwin during 1942-45. Dr Triolo’s summary is a true reflection of the meaning of commemorating this significant event in our history… But events like today are how we show our gratitude - and our humanity – to those who have gone before us and those who are still with us. I now make a real effort to thank veterans and serving personnel for their service, and I wonder if you may think to do the same. Again, how very fortunate are we that we can meet here now, at this very moment, in safety and in peace.
The Schools communities of The King David School, Wesley College, Star of the Sea, Wesley College, Sale PS, Puckapunyal PS, Scotch College, Christ Church Grammar School, Glen Eira College, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar, Laverton Secondary College, Mentone Grammar and Xavier College were represented at the service.
The Melbourne Committee of the Darwin Defenders acknowledges and is extremely grateful for the support of funding granted to them by the Victorian Veterans Council.
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
As 2016 quickly draws to a close, we have begun to plan for the 75th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin in 2017.
In the Northern Territory/Darwin
The 75th commemorative program, The Territory Remembers, not only tells the well documented military history, but it also tells our history through the eyes of people who were there. While our history is well documented, it is through personal stories that we can come to understand what war is really about. It captures the lesser-known stories of those directly involved; the veterans and civilians and their families impacted by this war on our home soil.
The City of Darwin is responsible for the Commemorative Ceremonies In February. Details of all programs can be found in the newsletter.
The Melbourne Committee will be organising a school/veteran/public ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance on Thursday 16th February beginning at 10:00am.
On Sunday 19th February, St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne have offered to prayers and commemoration of the events in Darwin during their 10:30am service.
A service will be held in the Memorabilia Garden of the Bendigo District RSL Complex, Havilah Road, Bendigo on Sunday 19th February commencing at 9.30am.
AUGUST 2016
2016 Winter Commemorative Services
With the wintry months of the year upon us, members of the Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders 1942-45 have been braving the cold winds to attend the Shrine of Remembrance to commemorate the service and the sacrifice of men and women who served our nation.
Rear Admiral John Lord AM (Retired,) Mr Alan Day KJSJ FAIM, Mrs Robyn Bell and Ms Bernadette Lightfoot have represented the Darwin Defenders at the following services:
Sunday Mary 29th – United States of America Memorial Day
Ed Bartosh, Secretary of the American Ex-Servicemen’s Association spoke beautifully prior to the laying of the wreaths…
Let us now bow our heads, and after placing the material symbols of remembrance in this place of sacred memory, stand in silence as we remember all those you died in all wars in the defence of American freedom.
Sunday 5th June – Bomber Command
Mrs Jan Dimmock recited the Airman’s Prayer, inscribed upon the chapel windos of the Air Forces Memorial at Runneymede
If I climb into heave, thou art there If I go down into hell, thou art there also If I take the wings of the morning And remain in the uttermost part of the sea Even there also shall thy hand lead me And thy right hand shall hold me.
Tuesday 12th July – Commemorative Service to honour the Life of Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop
2016 marks the thirty-first year of the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Medical Research Foundation as an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the improving health and wellbeing of veterans through funding medical research. The Foundation exists through goodwill of volunteers who promote the personal qualities of Weary himself – courage, compassion, steadfastness, and hope to name a few.
www.siredwarddunlop.org.au
APRIL 2016
Vale Joan Johnstone
The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders has lost one of its brightest and vibrant members.
We pay tribute to the wonderful Joan Johnstone. We remember her with love and fondness and her glamorous presence will be sadly missed at our meetings.
We offer our sincere condolences to her much loved family.
President Alan Day KJSJ FAIM, Vice President Mrs Robyn Bell, Treasurer Miss Eleanore Leydon and Secretary Ms Bernadette Lightfoot attended the very moving memorial service held at Bunurong Memorial Park on the 29th March 2016.
MAJ GEN David McLachlan AO (RSL State President) paid tribute to Joan’s extraordinary service to the RSL and the ex-service community.
We share with our members some of MAJ GEN David McLachlan’s moving tribute….
Joan gave the RSL over 30 years of service. Joan Dorothea Woodhead enlisted in The Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) on the 6th June 1942 and was discharged as a Sergeant on the 15th May 1946. During her service, she was posted the 2nd Australian Army Headquarters Command Paymasters Office, Paymaster in Chief Land Headquarters and later to the Directorate of Army Education and Land Headquarters.
For service, Joan was awarded the:
War Medal 1939-45 Australian Service Medal 1939-45 General Service Brooch.
Joan joined the RSL in 1984 – throughout that time she was a truly active and passionate member of The Returned & Servicewomen’s sub branch – serving in positions of President, Vice-President and long time member of the Committee.
She represented the RSL on many Committees over the years including: Victorian Council on the Aging, Australia Council on the Aging, DVA Story writing and Art Competition, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Medical Research Foundation, Council of Ex-Servicewomen and many others.
During the 1995 Australia Remembers Commemorations, Joan was actively involved in the “Field of Crosses” at the Shrine of Remembrance. Joan spent many long hours co-ordinating the ex-service personal watching the field, welcoming strangers and thanking them for ‘remembering’ them.
… A most elegant and gentle lady, who combined her love of life with a passion for helping others. The RSL was the more ‘richer’ for having Joan in its family.
The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders was also honoured that Joan found time to attend meetings and the annual services to commemorate those that had lost their lives in Darwin during 1942-45. We shall miss her.
The 75th commemorative program, The Territory Remembers, not only tells the well documented military history, but it also tells our history through the eyes of people who were there. While our history is well documented, it is through personal stories that we can come to understand what war is really about. It captures the lesser-known stories of those directly involved; the veterans and civilians and their families impacted by this war on our home soil.
The Melbourne Branch of the Darwin Defenders has lost one of its brightest and vibrant members. 