Memorial Wall Opening

The Memorial Wall is around 60 metres long and 90 cms high with the top mounted with steel plaques. Each bears details of those Killed in Action, individually, or together if in one team such as a bomber or a ship. There are 1672 names. The wall, by Gun Emplacement 2 in the Museum grounds, is a place for reflection with seating.

At the opening, WWII veteran Mr Brian Winspear AM spoke of his many visits to Darwin and his sadness in remembering mates who were less fortunate. He watched bombs falling on Darwin and said he could have had his name on the wall many times.

The opening of the Wall was the culmination of years of research by Darwin Military Museum. Whilst victims of the first two bombing raids were listed around Darwin, those killed in action some distance from the NT were not. This was a sad reflection on historical records. A Memorial Wall was proposed by Museum’s Allan Ogden.

Research was almost complete, when then Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Honourable Terry Mills, accelerated the idea and broadened the project to include those who fell from enemy attack in Queensland and Western Australia. Now all those who died in enemy attacks are listed together.

1. Guest speaker World War II Veteran Mr Brian Winspear AM addresses guests
2. Chief Minister the Honourable Terry Mills, WWII Veteran  Mr Brian Winspear AM and Dr Tom Lewis OAM, Director Darwin Military Museum and Defence of Darwin Experience
3. Commander Ben Favelle, of HMAS Coonawarra, views sailors' names

Alec Fong Lim Drive, East Point
Phone (08) 8981 9702
www.darwinmilitarymuseum.com.au
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