JAPANESE AIR RAIDS
AT DARWIN, NT
ON 15 MARCH 1943

The Japanese launched another of their many air raids on Darwin on 15 March 1943. A large formation of over twenty Japanese bombers and twenty two escorting fighters attacked the town and harbour facilities. The RAAF's No. 1 Wing took off to try to repel the Japanese.

No. 1 Wing comprised:-

54 Squadron - RAF
452 Squadron - RAAF
457 Squadron - RAAF

When the attack was finished the Japanese had lost seven aircraft with another seven probably damaged. Four Spitfires were lost with the loss of one pilot, Squadron Leader Thorold-Smith, the Commanding Officer of 452 Squadron RAAF.

RAAF F.VC Spitfire, A58-92 (BS231), crashed into the sea off Point Charles
on 15 March 1943 during a Japanese air raid on Darwin.

RAAF F.VC Spitfire, A58-101 (BS293) was shot down
at "Picnic Cove", 12 miles south of Point Charles on
15 March 1943 during a Japanese air raid on Darwin.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"Darwin Bombed"
"The Unit History of 14 Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery"
by Jack Mulholland

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"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 12 September 1999

This page last updated 21 February 2020