Day 2 in Darwin: Bombing of Darwin stories


At the US Perry Memorial on the Esplanade


At the Cenotaph on the Esplanade



The Darwin Cruise learning about the bombing


Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum


At the gun emplacement at East Point

 

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If only I could capture this moment forever

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  Oh, The Places We Went  by Alexandra Seal There were many aspects of the Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize Darwin Trip, which were unforgettable and surreal. Visiting the graves of the Bald Family and the places of their final moments was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I reflected on their courage and Anzac spirit throughout the trip as well as my own personal journey as we hiked in Kakadu. I often walked at the back of the group, taking the time to appreciate the journey and the adventure it became to arrive at the gorgeous destinations. I learnt that by taking it slow and not rushing the long journey to the waterfalls, I could appreciate the beauty of the Northern Territory and be even more grateful for the opportunity I had been given. By learning to slow down a usually fast-paced journey, which we call life, I was able to catch beautiful glimpses of Australia’s ecosystems at work. From seeing lizards lounging in the sun to listening to Aaron explain the flora an...
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Margaret Augusta De Mestre by Olivia Brook

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  Margaret Augusta De Mestre was a nurse during WW2, who worked on the HMAS Manunda which was an AIF hospital ship.   On the 19 th of February 1942, Manunda was moored 2.5km southwest of the Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin Harbour. That day, started off like any other, the harbour was calm and there was a clear, sunny sky with the temperature around 26 degrees.   As it was a hospital ship, the doctors and nurses including Margaret were onboard training, doing their rounds and attending to the many sick and injured patients on board.   At quarter to ten, the buzz of a large number of Japanese planes approaching from the southeast could be heard in the distance. The noise was gradually getting louder and then at 9:58 am, all hell broke loose. Air raid sirens were set off and wailing loudly. Then soon after, bombs were raining like hail stones and going off all over the harbour. The noise was horrendous.   The crew, doctors and nurses on the Manunda quickly rushed t...
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They were actually there!

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