Darwin

In the morning the kids did some journal writing and school work. We then went to the East Point Military Reserve and Museum. The area was originally established as Darwin's main defence point and included gun emplacements, communication rooms, command post, search light emplacements, lookout towers and the command post which housed the memorabilia. I really knew very little about the extent of the bombing which I think is true of most people because official reports at the time downplayed the damage and strict censorship was imposed on any information. During WWII Darwin was the frontline for the allied action against the Japanese in the Pacific. The first attack on Feb 19 1942 was the first of 64 attacks over 21months. Our defences were totally inadequate and there were over 200 casualties on the first day. Apparently the Japanese were preparing to invade Timor, and anticipated a disruptive air attack would hinder Darwin's potential for a base from which the Allies could launch a counter-offensive. The kids were more interested in a gorgeous green tree frog they found in the barrel of the 9.2inch gun. Back at the caravan park we headed to the bistro to watch the Grandfinal. I spent most of the time in the pool with the kids.