Strafing of Broome
03 Mar 2012
The town of Broome, Western Australia was attacked by Japanese fighter planes on 3 March 1942, during World War II. At least 88 people were killed.
Although Broome was a small pearling port at the time, it was also a refuelling point for aircraft, on route between the Netherlands East Indies and major Australian cities. As a result, Broome was on a line of flight for Dutch and other refugees, following the Japanese invasion of Java, and had become a significant Allied military base. During a two-week period in February–March 1942, more than 8,000 refugees from the Dutch East Indies — many of them in flying boats, which often served as airliners at the time – passed through Broome.[1]
All are welcome to attend the following events to commemorate the occasion.
MEMORIAL SERVICE - BEDFORD PARK, 0745 hours sharp
Presentations by the Australian Government, Embassy of Netherlands and the US Embassy. Wreath laying, aviation display, St Mary's College dance and Broome SHS Choir.
POST SERVICE GATHERING - BROOME RSL, 0930 hours
BROOME HISTORICAL MUSEUM - SPECIAL EVENT, 1600 hours
Guided tours and presentation by historian and author Kevin Gomm,
To view details of the commemoration service hosted by the Shire Council click here