The Adelaide River War Cemetery is a solemn reminder of the impact World War II had on this part of Australia. After Darwin suffered its first air attack on 19 February 1942, Darwin became the heart of the operational base. The Northern Territory contained the largest operational base in the South West Pacific. Adelaide River and Alice Springs were the headquarters of large base establishments and the main north south road from Darwin to the railhead at Alice Springs was built during the war. There are 434 military burials in total and the adjoining Civil Cemetery honours 63 civilians including the nine post office workers who were killed in the 19 February 1942 bombing of Darwin. Also visit the Memorial to the Missing, where 292 service personnel are remembered, who lost their lives in Timor and other northern regions. The Adelaide River War Cemetery was created for the burial of servicemen and women who died in this area of Northern Australia. The cemetery was opened in February 1942 in the immediate aftermath of the first Japanese air raids on Darwin.
