27 February 2025
Two memorials honouring the sacrifice of aviators killed in a Japanese attack have been unveiled in Darwin.
On February 19, 1942, seven Royal Australian Air Force aviators tragically lost their lives defending Darwin during the largest single attack by a foreign nation on Australian soil.
On the 83rd anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, two memorials located in front of 13 Squadron headquarters at RAAF Base Darwin were unveiled to honour the fallen.
The memorials are a result of the work and dedication of 13 Squadron personnel to ensure the seven are remembered and their names and stories live on.
During World War 2, more than 240 Japanese aircraft, across two separate raids, created widespread chaos and destruction in Darwin, killing 235 Allied service personal and civilians.
'They remind us of the sacrifice of those who have worn our uniforms before us, and that the best way we can honour their sacrifice is with an unwavering commitment to peace.'
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell attended the memorial service, paying tribute to the men and women who lost their lives on that day and to the families who lost someone they dearly loved and would forever miss.
“We lost post office workers, waterside workers, Australian sailors, soldiers and aviators and American colleagues that day,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“More important than what they did, is who they were.
“Eighty-three years ago today, families in Australia and the United States lost sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers.”
Air Marshal Chappell said that memorials, such as the two that were unveiled, served as a place to reflect on the scale of their selfless sacrifice and the debt of gratitude owed to those who served.
“They remind us that wars may start with political ideologies or other differences, [but] end in human tragedy,” he said.
“Lives lost, and families and communities devastated.
“They remind us of the sacrifice of those who have worn our uniforms before us, and that the best way we can honour their sacrifice is with an unwavering commitment to peace.”
The first memorial unveiled has a plaque for each of the seven aviators containing their names, date of birth, enlistment date, mustering and the age they were when killed in action.
The second memorial at RAAF Base Darwin is located where Wing Commander Archibald Robert Tindal was killed in action while manning a Lewis machine gun from the number one pit during the first raid.
'Wars may start with political ideologies or other differences, [but] end in human tragedy.'
Wing Commander Tindal is thought to be the first member of the RAAF killed in action on mainland Australia during World War 2.
“His actions were selfless, courageous and heroic,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“They epitomise what it means to serve the Australian Defence Force and his actions continue to inspire the aviators of today.”
Commanding Officer 13 Squadron Wing Commander Lauren Guest said these powerful memorials would ensure the city of Darwin and Australia’s history was honoured and remembered.
“The 19th of February provides a moment in time to stop and remember that war came to Australia,” Wing Commander Guest said.
“It came to our city, which many of us call home, and took the lives of those who stood to fight, or simply protect others.
“To each of you involved, thank you for your passion to preserve the memory of others. What started as a project for aviators by aviators grew to encompass so much more.”
