A COMMEMORATION service for the bombing of Darwin by Japanese forces in 1942 will be held at Bankstown Memorial Gardens, next to the courthouse, on February 19.

A total of 243 civilians and military personnel were killed in the raid, 400 people were wounded and eight ships were sunk in Darwin Harbour. The raid was the first of 100 air raids by the Japanese against Australia during World War II.

Veterans who served in Darwin, their relatives, children and grandchildren are invited to attend.

Darwin veteran George Debnam from Bankstown RSL Club is organising the service, which will start at 9.30am. The oath of remembrance will be recited just before 10am, which is the time the first bombs were dropped on Darwin.

This is the fifth year the service has been held at Bankstown

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Details: 97738380.