Published in 1991 for the 50th anniversary of World War II, this book has been reprinted to a fourth edition in 2005. This book begins with introduction by John Grey Gorton, who was an RAAF pilot over Darwin and later Australian Prime Minister. The book explores the World War II aviation history of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Lavishly illustrated with photos, maps and color photos, this book is an important illustrated history as well. Exceptionally researched and written, the text was written by Bob Alford, honorary historian for the Aviation Historical Society of the Northern Territory.

The first chapters cover the prewar defenses constructed at Darwin, and the devastating Japanese air raid on February 19, 1942. Following chapters cover the defense by RAAF and USAAF P-40 Warhawks. The later chapters cover Spitfire, Hudson and Beaufighter operations and the arrival of B-24 bombers and conclusions. Finally a chapter on conclusions and present day defenses.

Included are pilot profiles for seven pilots including Junior, Taylor, Balkin, Wheeler, Winckel, Sasai and Thompson. Each profile includes photos and a one page biography and summary of their experiences over Darwin. Appendixes including the units based at Darwin and a list of Japanese air raids against Northern Territory and bibliography. in 2011, a new edition was published Darwin Air War 1942-1945 (revised edition).

Read interview with author Bob Alford

Review by  Justin Taylan

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Last Updated
February 4, 2018