Event to commemorate Broome Air Raid 80th anniversary

Published on 11 February 2022

The 80th Air Raid commemoration is being held on Thursday March 3, 2022 at Bedford Park, from 8am to 9:30am and the whole Broome community is invited to attend.

The Air Raid on Broome is a unique piece of history stemming from World War II and is the second greatest wartime loss of life on Australian soil to date.

The Japanese air raid resulted in the loss of 88 lives and the destruction of 22 Australian, Dutch and US aircrafts.

Community organisations are working in collaboration with the Shire of Broome to deliver the commemorative event; these include RSL Broome, Norforce, St Mary’s College, Broome Historical Society and more.

Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said he would like to emphasise the importance of this occasion and encouraged the whole Broome community to attend.

“March 3 marks tragedy for Broome, although it is also a story of inspiration for those that helped the victims of this brutal attack and those victims that survived and lived to share the tale,” he said.

“Each year I have attended the Air Raid event, it is touching to see the community honouring this historically significant date, and I thank those that keep our town’s history and heritage going.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made the attendance of all dignitaries and descendants of those that lived through the event difficult.

“This is why the Shire will be live streaming the service and why we encourage everyone based in Broome to come down and commemorate those lost on behalf of our interstate and international friends.

“Other events will also occur to pay tribute to the 80th anniversary, including the unveiling of the new Broome Air Raid artwork at Town Beach on Thursday March 3 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.”