The second wave of Japanese aircraft arrived just before midday. This time though, the town's air raid sirens were sounded. At 5000 metres, the aircraft split into two separate groups. One attacked the RAAF base from the south-west while the other group attacked from the north-east. The two formations arrived of the base at the same time and dropped their bombs simultaneously. They then came back around for a second attack. The anti-aircraft gunners were unable to shoot down any off the aircraft because of defective fuses. The bombers left Darwin at 1220 hours. Damage to buildings and facilities was high but thankfully casualties were relatively low with only 6 RAAF personnel being killed.
The front page of the Melbourne Argus on 20 February 1942
The Second Raid
The second wave of Japanese aircraft arrived just before midday. This time though, the town's air raid sirens were sounded. At 5000 metres, the aircraft split into two separate groups. One attacked the RAAF base from the south-west while the other group attacked from the north-east. The two formations arrived of the base at the same time and dropped their bombs simultaneously. They then came back around for a second attack. The anti-aircraft gunners were unable to shoot down any off the aircraft because of defective fuses. The bombers left Darwin at 1220 hours. Damage to buildings and facilities was high but thankfully casualties were relatively low with only 6 RAAF personnel being killed.