Text Translation:
DARWIN HEAVILY BOMBED IN 2 RAIDS
ATTACKS BY 93 PLANES :4 SHOT DOWN
DAMAGE "CONSIDERABLE": CASUALTIES UNKNOWN
DARWIN WAS HEAVILY BOMBED BY 93 JAPANESE PLANES IN TWO RAIDS YESTERDAY.
Mr. Curtin, Prime Minister, announced last night that the first attack was made by 72 twin-engined bombers, accompanied by fighters. The second was by 21 twin-engined bombers.
"It is known for certain that 4 enemy aircraft were brought down," he said. "Damage to property has been considerable, but reports so far to hand do not give precise particulars as to loss of life."
In a communique announcing the first raid, Mr. Drakeford, Air Minister, said that preliminary reports indicated that the attack was concentrated on the township. Shipping in the harbour was also bombed.
There were some casualties and damage to service installations. The raid lasted about one hour.
The first raid began about 10am (Darwin time). The second took place in the afternoon.
In his announcement last night Mr. Curtin said: — "The Government regards these attacks as most grave and makes it quite clear that a severe blow has been struck in this first battle on Australian soil."
''It will be a source of pride to the public to know that the armed forces and civilians conducted themselves with the gallantry that was traditional in people of British stock."
"Although the information does not disclose details of casualties, it must be obvious that we have suffered. We must face with fortitude the first onslaught and remember that whatever the future holds in store for us we are Australians and will fight grimly and
victoriously."
"Let us each vow that this blow at Darwin and the loss it has involved and the suffering it has occasioned will have the effect of making us gird up our loins and nerve our steel. We, too, in every other city can face these assaults."
"Let it be remembered that Darwin has been bombed, but it has not been conquered."
After announcing the first raid yesterday morning Mr. Curtin said:— "Australia has now experienced the physical contact of war within Australia. Face it as Australians!
"As head of the Government, I know there is no need to say anything else. Total mobilisation is the Government's policy for Australia. Until the time elapses when all the necessary measures can be put into effect, all Australians must voluntarily answer the Government's call for the complete giving of everything to the nation."
"What we have feared has now happened, and Australia, for the first time in its history, has been subjected to attack," said Mr. Dunstan, Premier, yesterday.
"The enemy had crossed the threshold of our native land. Our testing time is at hand, and people must face things in the light of reality. There is no room for conjecture or complacency."
We could no longer have doubts regarding the enemy's intentions nor his ability to bomb this country. The feeling of splendid isolation no longer remained. Our mettle was about to be tested, but he was confident none of us would be found wanting. Unity must be our watchword, national service our one desire. Only by a united effort could we play the part that was expected of us. Nothing less than our best, given ungrudgingly, would do.
Senator Ashley, PMG, said yesterday that cable services would not be interrupted as a result of the bombing of Darwin. Even if the cable system were temporarily destroyed communication would be carried on through other channels.