Raid on Darwin (2 May 1943)

For other air raids on Darwin, see Air raids on Australia, 1942–43.
Japanese raid on Darwin (2 May 1943)
Part of the Pacific War

Two Spitfires taking off from an airstrip near Darwin in March 1943
Date 2 May 1943
Location Darwin, Northern Territory
Result Japanese victory
Belligerents
Empire of Japan Australia
United Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Suzuki Minoru Clive Caldwell
Strength
27 fighters
25 bombers		 33 Spitfire fighters
Casualties and losses
6-10 aircraft 2 pilots killed
1 soldier wounded
14 Spitfires destroyed or damaged

The Japanese raid on Darwin of 2 May 1943 was a significant battle in the North Western Area Campaign of World War II. During the raid a force of over 20 Japanese bombers and fighters attacked the Australian town of Darwin, Northern Territory, inflicting little damage. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) unit responsible for protecting the town, No. 1 Wing RAAF, intercepted the Japanese force after it had completed its attack, and suffered heavy losses from the Japanese fighters, aggravated by fuel shortages. The results of the battle led to public concern, and No. 1 Wing adopted new tactics which proved successful in countering later raids.

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