Japanese aircraft attacking Darwin, Australia according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 20 February 1942

American Clemson-class destroyer©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

An item reported that the Japanese attacked twice the shipping and airfield at Darwin, Australia on 19 February. At least 2 ships including a destroyer (1) were lost and at least 3 other ships heavily damaged. There was no information available about the airfields. The J.I.C. commented that again the Japanese skills in air attacks was proven. The shipping at Darwin included the convoy which was forced to return from Koepang, Dutch Timor after it was attacked in the Timor Sea and shadowed afterwards by the Japanese. The fighters involved in both raids as escorts of the bombers must be carrier-borne regarded their radius.

Note

1. USS Peary DD-226 part of Clemson-class, laid down by William Cramp&Sons, Philadelphia, USA with yard number 492 on 9 September 1919, launched on 6 April 1920, commissioned on 22 October 1920, lost on 19 February 1942 and stricken on 8 May 1942.

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. MR0423. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 72 dated 20 February 1942