----- WHEN WAR CAME TO AUSTRALIA -----

“1st raid starting at 09.58 am, heavy attacks on shipping, the town and aerodrome by 188 aircraft.

Officially 243 killed;

Mayor J Burton estimated 900 killed, other army sources approx. 1100 killed.

Extensive damage.”

“2nd raid by 54 heavy bombers, at 11.57 am.

Altogether, in the two raids, 23 of our aircraft were destroyed.

The USA Air Force lost 10 P40 Kittyhawks, one B24 bomber, 3 Beechcraft.

The US Navy lost 3 Catalina amphibians.

The RAAF lost 6 Hudsons; 8 ships were sunk, 15 damaged.

The Japanese lost 12 aircraft”

19th February 1942