In 1942, the air defense of the northern Australian frontier town Darwin
was operated by airmen from the United States.
That year was very nearly the end of Australia as a country. To those
men the present nation owes a debt.
A massive Japanese attack on Darwin on 19 February had left the town and
its air base in ruins. An understrength squadron of USAAC P-40E Warhawks
fought a gallant defense but was all but wiped out.
Northern Australia was now at the mercy of Imperial Japanese Navy Betty
bombers and Zero fighters whose crews were both skilled and experienced.
However, help was on the way. The 49th Fighter Group was the first such
group formed in the US to be sent overseas after the start of the
Pacific War. Its destination was Darwin.
From modest beginnings on makeshift airstrips, the 49th FG entered
combat with its feared Japanese adversaries. Its P-40E Warhawks were
poor interceptors but were rugged, reliable and well-armed. Unable to
dogfight the highly maneuverable Zeros, the American pilots resorted to
dive and zoom tactics more suited to their heavier fighters.
Over several months the 49th FG pilots fought a brave and innovative
campaign against a stronger enemy that did much to safeguard Australia
in its darkest hour. Today lonely and long forgotten airfields still
bear the name of American pilots who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This is their story.
