Monday September 5th 2011 Adelaide River War Cemetery

Our intention was to stay at Adelaide River overnight but we arrived there about 11:00 a.m. so after visiting the War Cemetery, we headed towards Katherine (again).

The War Cemetery is a memorial to all the defence force members who lost their lives during the bombing of Darwin in 1942. More than 200 plaques are mounted in this area with a separate section for all the post office workers who were killed when a bomb was dropped on the post office.

post office workers' memorial

It's a sobering place that is so well-maintained by a full-time gardener. I spoke with him about his work and we chatted about some of the memorials. The youngest person was 16 and the oldest was 66. So many others were in their early 20s. 

A section is also dedicated to many unknown members of the armed forces who died during the bombings that were spread over almost 2 years.


There is also a tranquil space to reflect and remember. Sadly, it's a reminder of the futility of war.