Australians
should today reflect on the service and sacrifice of
those who served in defence of our nation in the Pacific
in 1942-43 during the Second World War as we commemorate
the Battle for Australia Day.
Minister
for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan will today attend the
commemorative service at the Shrine of Remembrance in
Melbourne and lay a wreath in honour of those who took
part in the defence of our homeland.
"During the
Second World War, Australia was defended by our brave
servicemen and women while our civilian population
provided critical support to the war effort," Mr Tehan
said.
"This day
of remembrance recognises the service and sacrifice of
those who served on the home front in Australia, and of
those who fought in battles during the Second World War.
"The Battle
for Australia Day is a time to reflect on this period in
Australia’s history and to honour all those who have
served, and continue to serve, our nation.
"Next year,
we will commemorate the 75th
anniversaries of a number of engagements from the Second
World War, including the Fall of Singapore, Bombing of
Darwin, Battle of the Coral Sea, Kokoda Campaign and
Battle of Milne Bay."
On 19
February 1942, more than 260 Japanese aircraft mounted
two waves of attack on Darwin, claiming the lives of 252
service personnel and civilians and causing widespread
devastation. This was followed by a further 96 air
attacks on Northern Australia over the next 20 months;
the 64th and final was
on Darwin on 12 November 1943.
On the
night of 31 May 1942, three Japanese midget submarines
attacked Sydney Harbour. A torpedo fired at the USS
Chicago missed, striking HMAS Kuttabul, a
ferry requisitioned by the Navy as a depot vessel.
Nineteen Australian and two British sailors on HMAS
Kuttabul died, the only Allied deaths resulting from
the attack.
