Katherine citizens and RAAF Tindal personnel gathered to remember the Bombing of Katherine on Tuesday, 80 years after bombs were dropped on the outback town.
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On March 22 1942, as part of the Second World War, nine "Betty" bombers from the Japanese Navy dropped between 82-92 high explosive bombs popularly known as "Daisy Cutters".
The Japanese targeted the Katherine airfield, dropping most of their bombs in and around the site, where the Katherine Museum is located today.
There was one fatality, an Indigenous man called Dodger Kodjalwal, and two other Indigenous people were injured.
A ceremony was held at the Katherine Museum, to pay tribute to the victims of the bombing and the ongoing service military personnel perform in the Katherine region.
Katherine Town Council Mayor Lis Clark said it was important to recognise Katherine's history.
"We think it is important to remember these events every year, because it was a difficult time," Cr Clark said.
"A lot of people around Australia don't realise that the bombing went as far south as Katherine. A lot of people remember Darwin but not Katherine."
Cr Clark said the commemoration was attended by a minimum of 200 people and Territory dignitaries.
"It was a wonderful morning. Every year this commemoration grows, there are more and more people attending.
"We had the Northern Territory Administrator Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O'Halloran AO who spoke at the ceremony and the RAAF Tindal personnel were in attendance also."
The ceremony concluded with RAAF Tindal fly-over and a performance from the Andrew Sisters tribute band.
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