War Years 1941 - 1945
The Tiwi Islands played a significant role during the Second World War due to the Island’s geographical location. On February 19th 1942, Japanese Zeros attacked Bathurst Island striking the Bathurst Mission Church and an American DC3 plane.
Father McGrath of the Catholic Mission on Bathurst Island sent a warning of approaching enemy aircraft to Darwin. His message was acknowledged but went unheeded and Japanese bombers attacked Darwin.
The Tiwi were the first to capture Japanese enemies on Australian soil. Matthius Ulungura used his hunting techniques to disarm and capture a Japanese Zero pilot who crash landed on Melville Island. Louise Munkara also captured five airman while paddling across the Apsley Strait with his two nephews.
During this period, many children and nuns were evacuated to the mainland and Tiwi families left the community to seek refuge in the bush.
