In the aftermath of the bombing, most essential services, like water and electricity were badly damaged or destroyed. Half of the civilian population fled, heading for the Adelaide River and the train south. People saw a breakdown of law and order and looting became a serious problem. Anything from furniture, clothes and pianos to fridges, stoves and children's toys were taken. It is reported that over 278 RAAF soldiers fled from Darwin.
The explosion of an oil storage tank and clouds of smoke from other tanks
All that remains of a damaged RAAF aircraft hanger
Casualties and Damage
The number of fatalities that occurred on these raids is still not confirmed. The Lowe Commission, who investigated the casualties in March of 1942, found that there were 243 victims, assuming that some of them were unidentified, estimated a total of 250 casualties with 300-400 wounded. Though a plaque unveiled in 2001, totalled the casualties at 292. 20 military aircraft were destroyed, 8 ships had been sunk and 25 ships were damaged.
In the aftermath of the bombing, most essential services, like water and electricity were badly damaged or destroyed. Half of the civilian population fled, heading for the Adelaide River and the train south. People saw a breakdown of law and order and looting became a serious problem. Anything from furniture, clothes and pianos to fridges, stoves and children's toys were taken. It is reported that over 278 RAAF soldiers fled from Darwin.
The number of fatalities that occurred on these raids is still not confirmed. The Lowe Commission, who investigated the casualties in March of 1942, found that there were 243 victims, assuming that some of them were unidentified, estimated a total of 250 casualties with 300-400 wounded. Though a plaque unveiled in 2001, totalled the casualties at 292. 20 military aircraft were destroyed, 8 ships had been sunk and 25 ships were damaged.