Threats to the Homefront
On the 7/8th of December 1941, Japan entered into the war and Australia became very worried about the possibility of the Japanese forces invading and attacking. So in 1942, some Australian troops were brought back to the mainland to defend their country and the government also gained assistance from American forces.
Out of fear, the Australian people also took safety precautions by building air raid shelters on their properties. The government also enforced blackout restrictions.
To prepare for invasion, an anti-submarine boom net was constructed across Darwin harbor. There were also some other defense plans created. Submarine indicator loops on the sea bed and sonar devices placed on ships gave indication of approaching submarines.
On the 16th of December, 1941, an order was issued to evacuate the women and children. Most of the women and children were evacuated by sea, but some drove south or went by train.
Gradually, the Japanese forces got closer and closer to Australia and On the 19th of February, Japanese forces launched an attack on Darwin. There were 64 raids launched on Darwin and another 33 on other parts of the Northern Territory.
The Japanese had around 188 planes attack the harbour, whilst the allies had about 10 fighter planes and dive bombers, the odds were not in favour of the allies.
Most of the town was destroyed and the people feared there would be another attack. The last raid was on the 12th of November 1943. It was estimated that around 900-1100 people were killed.
Over the next few days, the town restored itself and gained some order, but the Japanese would still attack Darwin over the next 20 months. On the 3rd of March 1942, an air raid was launched on Broome. A total of 24 planes and 16 flying boats were attacking Broome and an estimated 70 people were killed. On the day the Japanese attacked, there were no allied forces there to help and the Japanese attacked the targets they could. In late 1942, attacks were made on Queensland and other parts of the Northern Territory.