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Line 5: − ==World War II==+ − In [[World War II]], Darwin was the target of several Japanese bombing attacks. − − The first attack on Darwin was on the morning of February 19, 1942. It was launched from a Japanese carrier group which included the fleet carriers ''[[Akagi]]'', ''[[Kaga]]'', ''[[Hiryu]]'', and ''[[Soryu]]'', all of which were veterans of the [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor attack]].<ref>''A History of War at Sea'', by Helmut Pemsel, Naval Institute Press, 1975</ref> The attacking force consisted of over 150 carrier based bombers, with 36 escorting [[Mitsubishi Zero|Zeros]]. Another attack by over 50 land-based, twin-engine bombers took place at midday. The bombings sank the destroyer USS ''Peary'' and several other ships, and destroyed several buildings.<ref>''The Lonely Ships'', by Edwin P. Hoyt, Jove Books, 1976</ref> The Japanese lost only a few planes in the raid, while several defending Allied planes were shot down. 243 people were killed, mostly on the ships that were sunk. − − This attack, and another attack on the town of Broome on the northern coast two weeks later, raised fears that [[Japan]] would invade Australia next. Many officers in the Japanese military wanted to do exactly that, but other objectives (such as the attack on [[Battle of Midway|Midway]]) were given priority, and the invasion never materialized. − − Darwin endured more raids, but the Japanese effort was more focused on dislodging Allied forces from [[New Guinea]], so the city would usually go several weeks between attacks. On March 18, the American Ninth Pursuit Squadron, equipped with [[P-40 Warhawk]]s, arrived at Darwin to take up defense duties. Japanese bombers attacked again on April 4, and the fighters downed four [[Mitsubishi G4M|Mitsubishi "Betties"]] and probably downed a Zero for the loss of two P-40s. Subsequent raids suffered similar losses.<ref>''P-40 Warhawk Aces of the Pacific'', by Carl Molesworth, Osprey Publishing, 2003</ref>
→World War II
Darwin is the most cyclone-ravaged city in Australia. The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy on Dec. 25, 1974, killing 66 people, and destroying 80% of the buildings in the city of 46,000 population. Darwin's utilities were knocked out and 35,000 people were evacuated.
Darwin is the most cyclone-ravaged city in Australia. The city of Darwin was destroyed by Cyclone Tracy on Dec. 25, 1974, killing 66 people, and destroying 80% of the buildings in the city of 46,000 population. Darwin's utilities were knocked out and 35,000 people were evacuated.
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==References==
==References==