Darwin Military Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1965 |
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| Location | East Point, Northern Territory |
| Type | Military, War |
The Darwin Military Museum is a special place that shows what life was like in Darwin during World War II. It started as a museum about artillery, which are big guns used in war. The Royal Australian Artillery Association (NT) Inc (RAAA) created it to display photos and items from that time.
Today, the museum has a huge collection of things from the war. You can see items from the Australian, US, and other armed forces, including Navy, Army, and Air Force gear. The museum is built among old concrete gun positions and other defenses. This area was one of the most protected parts of Australia during the war.
Around 1943, more than 110,000 soldiers, sailors, and air force personnel were based in Darwin. It was also a key starting point for important military campaigns.
During World War II, Darwin was bombed 64 times over nearly two years. The first two attacks happened on February 19, 1942. These raids sadly killed an estimated 243 people. Some reports suggest the number might have been much higher, even up to 1000. A memorial plaque in Darwin, overlooking the harbor, states that 292 people died.
The Museum's Story
How the Museum Began
The Darwin Military Museum started in the 1960s. It was built from the remains of the East Point fortifications. The RAAA (NT) began by fencing off the area around a large 9.2-inch gun command post.
Two six-inch guns, which were being damaged further along the foreshore, were moved inside the fence for protection. Trees and a garden were planted to make the area look better. Over time, the RAAA added more items to its collection. These included anti-aircraft guns, military vehicles, weapons, and uniforms.
Growing Over the Years
At first, the museum was only open once a week. Then it started opening on weekends, and eventually, it became open seven days a week. The museum also hired managers to help run things. Since 2009, the RAAA has managed the museum directly. Today, a team of eight people oversees the museum, and several staff members work as admissions attendants.
Before the 2008 territory elections, the Northern Territory Government announced a big plan. They said they would provide over A$10 million to improve the museum.
In July 2009, the East Point Military Museum got a new name: the Darwin Military Museum. The Northern Territory Government and the RAAA (NT) Inc have worked together since 2008 to make the site better. Since mid-2009, the RAAA has spent about A$250,000 on improvements. These changes included focusing the museum more on the 1942 bombings and all of Northern Australia's defense history.
