Friday 9 August: Bye Broome, Hullo Derby
Today we are on the lands of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wonumbal peoples.
We left Broome this morning en route to Derby (pronounced Dirby not Darby).
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We don’t only avoid crocs and photograph birds. We also go to pubs and listen to music! |
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| With our friends from London, Elizabeth and Ian, at Matso’s Brewery |
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| Broome Breakfast |
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| Remembering the World War 2 bombings in Broome |
On the morning of the 3rd March 1942 Roebuck Bay was crowded with 15 flying boats filled mostly with evacuated people from Indonesia. The planes were waiting for fuel and tides so they could continue their journey. Broome had no aerial defenses at this time but there was a commonly held belief that Japanese aircraft could not reach the Australian mainland. This illusion was shattered when nine Japanese zeroes appeared in the sky and began strafing the planes anchored in Roebuck Bay. Within 15 minutes all planes in Roebuck Bay were ablaze or sinking and the passengers of the planes were swimming for their lives. Many succumbed to the gunfire while others simply could not swim and drowned. There are many heroic tales of local Broome people and military personnel rescuing survivors even while the air raid was still happening.
More than 88 people are known to have lost their lives during the attack.
More than 88 people are known to have lost their lives during the attack.
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| Tidal sculpture Roebuck Bay |
On the home stretch . A very long stretch . Enjoy your travels .
On the home stretch . A very long stretch . Enjoy your travels .
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