![]() ![]() Photograph by Rose Stereograph Co H32492/7033 These fears became reality with the bombing of Darwin on February 19, which caused the deaths of 243 people. The war was no longer ‘over there’ but on Australia’s doorstep. In February 1942 Singapore fell to Japan, and the war entered the Pacific arena, putting the Australian mainland under threat of invasion. This all changed in December 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour, and their forces advanced through South-East Asia. 2 The losses of the Great War were still fresh as Australian soldiers again battled enemy forces overseas, but for those on the home front the war was initially a remote concept. On 3 September 1939 Prime Minister Robert Menzies made the announcement that Australians had grimly anticipated: Australia had joined Great Britain in declaring war on Germany. These beacons must not guide enemy aircraft…in the state of emergency the civilian population must not allow one ray of light to destroy the complete blackout…Put out that light! Blackout: ABC of A.R.P (Air Raid Precautions) 1 The lights of some Australian cities can be seen from as far as 50 miles. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |