The Role of the Armed Forces
The three branches of the defence forces played major role in the relief operations. The defence contribution was effectively deployed through liaison with the local committees.
Early on 26 December naval aircraft left southern bases for Darwin, with urgent supplies and personnel. Seven naval ships left Sydney at 11.30 AM on 26 December. The Navy was to play a special part in the clean-up of Darwin - difficult, distasteful and sometimes dangerous work.
The Army flew specialist personnel into Darwin. Through them, rations, stores, equipment, and specialist vehicles were supplied.
The entire RAAF transport fleet was involved in the airlift of supplies into Darwin, and the airlift out of 9,678 people who were evacuated by military aircraft.
