This is the revised and vastly improved edition of a book first
published in 1991. It remains the most authoritative work on Darwin's
air war, and has been compiled from a wide range of sources worldwide,
including Japan. This edition contains many new photos, most of them
from private collections. The entire scope of Darwin's air war is
covered, beginning with the pre-war defense build-up. After the Pacific
War began, Darwin was a key staging post in attempts to reinforce and
defend Java, but this ended with the massive raid on 19th February 1942.
This was the first of many raids, and the table at the end of the book
has been updated to include not only raids but reconnaissances, some of
which were previously unrecorded (Japanese records have added much to
this volume). Soon greatly aided by radar, Darwin was defended first by
USAAF P-40s of the 49th Fighter Group and later by RAAF and RAF
Spitfires of No.1 Fighter Wing. As Allied strength steadily grew,
offensive strikes were flown against the Japanese in Timor and
surrounding islands by an assortment of types including Hudsons,
Beaufighters and B-25s (including by No. 18 Dutch Squadron). Eventually
USAAF and RAAF Liberators ranged deep into enemy territory.
All in all, this is a fascinating account of war in a theater often
overlooked. The book also includes a series of profiles which describe
the experiences of pilots of several different nationalities. It is well
footnoted throughout and contains a lengthy list of sources.
