Image

The Bombing of Darwin and Reconciliation

The highlight from this story is the Japanese salvage team. In particular, they used metal from the wrecks to forge crosses "as a sign of peace and reconciliation."

In 1942, Darwin, a city in Australia’s Northern Territory was bombed in two air raids by the Imperial Forces of Japan.

This attack occurred just over two months after the attacks on Pearl Harbour.

Yet, the February 19th anniversary is not found firmly imprinted anywhere on the Australian remembrance calendar.

Darwin, 19 February 1942

What could account for this is that the Government of the day downplayed the event through”censored and limited coverage, in order to protect public morale in the southern states of Australia.”

It is probable that this accounts for the limited awareness of the severity of the air raids in the contemporary Australian psyche.

As a nation, we do Anzac Day (April 25) well; we remember the cost of war; remember those left, those who sacrificed, and wrestle with our fair share of confrontations with the indifference of generations who forget why we mark these solemn anniversaries.

As such, it’s my firm view that the 19th of February needs to be marked as a national day of remembrance for Australians.

According to the archives regarding the events in Darwin, 1942:

“The two raids killed at least 242-3 people and between 300 and 400 were wounded (including members of the U.S military personal). Twenty military aircraft were destroyed, eight ships at anchor in the harbour were sunk, and most civil and military facilities in Darwin were destroyed…the intention was not invasion, but to disrupt the Allies using Darwin as a base for a counter-attack against the invasion of Timor.”

National Archives of Australia

The bombing of Darwin stands alone as the first big attack against the Australian mainland by a foreign nation.

In all, there were 64 air raids on Darwin. The final occurring on 12 November 1943.

Importantly, the Darwin bombing is not only about remembering how close the war in the Pacific came to Australian shores, it’s also a reminder of the rough road to reconciliation present in the relationship between post-WWII Australia, and Japan.

This is exemplified in an excellent 2010 production from the ABC program 7:30 N.T. The brief documentary outlines the event and the aftermath.

The dangers in Darwin harbour, when the time had come to remove the hazardous wrecks, would also have been crocodiles.

The highlight of this story is the Japanese salvage team. In particular, they used metal from the wrecks to forge crosses “as a sign of peace and reconciliation.”

It’s an example of the importance of remembrance, and how, in the process of that remembrance we are called back to the theology of the cross, not a theology of vainglory.

Special Request:

For nearly eight years, we've highlighted issues ignored by mainstream media and resisted globalist ideologies eroding Western civilization. We've done this joyfully, without paywalls, despite personal costs to our team. Your support has kept us going, but operating costs exceed donations, forcing us to use ads. We’d love to ditch them, so we’re asking for your help. If you value our work, please consider supporting us via Stripe or PayPal. Every bit helps us keep fighting for our kids’ future. Thank you!

What's New?

Use the blue arrows at the bottom to scroll through the latest.
ANZAC Day Is No Place for Division: End the ‘Welcome to Country’ Ritual

ANZAC Day Is No Place for Division: End the ‘Welcome to Country’ Ritual

"ANZAC Day is not a day to parse who owns the land; it is a day to remember those who defended it."
By
by Michael MacConnellApr 25, 2025
It’s Not Wrong to Love Your Country—It’s Wrong to Reject the One You Move To

It’s Not Wrong to Love Your Country—It’s Wrong to Reject the One You Move To

"True division arises not from national pride, but from entering a foreign land, living among its people, and refusing to integrate and assimilate with the cultural and historical identity that defines them."
By
by Staff WriterApr 25, 2025
The Lazarus Soldier

The Lazarus Soldier

"In a brutal six-hour battle, he sustained 37 wounds while rescuing the wounded under relentless fire—holding his intestines in with one hand and praying with the other."
By
by Rod LampardApr 25, 2025
The False Equivalence of the Abrahamic Religions

The False Equivalence of the Abrahamic Religions

"The designation of 'Abrahamic' is surely intended to emphasise solidarity between Christianity, Judaism and Islam as if they are three branches of the same faith... This assertion does not stand up well to scrutiny."
By
by Harry RichardsonApr 25, 2025
Buddy Brax and the Big Ugly Fight

Buddy Brax and the Big Ugly Fight

“It’s awfully hard for that anger to stay, towards any person for whom we pray.”
By
by Evelyn RaeApr 24, 2025
Segregated Ministry: How COVID Control Weakened the Church

Segregated Ministry: How COVID Control Weakened the Church

“During COVID, the church was largely indistinguishable from the state or society. My hope is that the church would once again distinguish herself by standing up and out and not merely cede to increasing government overreach.”
By
by Tony ArcherApr 24, 2025
Petition NSW Labor to Rule Out Ban on Homeschooling and Private Education

Petition NSW Labor to Rule Out Ban on Homeschooling and Private Education

"This petition is a vehicle for calling on the Labor government to reassert protections for parental rights."
By
by Rod LampardApr 24, 2025
Does Anyone Really Believe Mass Migration Brings More Good Than Harm?

Does Anyone Really Believe Mass Migration Brings More Good Than Harm?

"It was a social experiment carried out at a global level, with little to no regard for the consequences should the experiment fail."
By
by Staff WriterApr 23, 2025

Image

Support

If you value our work and would like to support us, you can do so by visiting our support page. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our search page.

Copyright © 2025, Caldron Pool

Permissions

Everything published at Caldron Pool is protected by copyright and cannot be used and/or duplicated without prior written permission. Links and excerpts with full attribution are permitted. Published articles represent the opinions of the author and may not reflect the views of all contributors at Caldron Pool.

Caldron Pool does not condone the use of violence, threats, or intimidation for political or religious purposes. We strongly advocate for peaceful, respectful, and free communication and open debate without fear of reprisal or punishment.