On February 19, 1942, Darwin was bombed by Japanese aircraft in a devastating attack that marked a pivotal moment in Australia’s wartime history. The Bombing of Darwin is a significant event that resonates deeply with those who experienced it, including veterans like Stanley Edward Luck, a gunner with the 2/12 Field Artillery. Though he seldom spoke of his experiences, a journey across the Nullarbor sparked a conversation that inspired his son, Gary Luck, to preserve those memories through music.

_{Source: https://vwma.org.au/collections/home-page-stories/the-bombing-of-darwin}

Capturing the Spirit of Darwin's Defenders

During a train trip, Gary’s father began to recount the chaos and fear surrounding the bombing of Darwin. His stories vividly illustrated the devastation, camaraderie, and resilience of those who faced the onslaught. Compelled to honour his father and all who shared that harrowing experience, Gary crafted a song titled “Blood on the Frangipani.” This title pays tribute to the tropical flower cherished by his mother, symbolising beauty amidst the tragedy of war.

^{The original Army service wallet of Stanley Edward Luck, bearing his Army number}

Stanley Edward Luck, a gunner with the 2/12 Field Artillery

The Song’s Journey - Breathing Life into History

“Blood on the Frangipani” reflects the experiences of those in Darwin on that fateful day when the city was bombed. From the chilling sounds of sirens to the sight of planes overhead, each verse captures the bravery and loss felt during the Bombing of Darwin. The chorus serves as a poignant reminder that for those not present, understanding the fear and heroism of that day can be challenging.

Gary’s collaboration with Keith Potger, original founding member of The Seekers’, added a new dimension to the song. Their paths crossed during a tribute concert, leading to a partnership that brought Gary’s composition to life. With Keith’s arrangement and the support of talented musicians, “Blood on the Frangipani” was recorded just in time for the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin WW2—a fitting tribute to ensure these memories endure.

Stanley Edward Luck shares a moment with a 
young cadet

Beyond One Story: A Musical Homage to All Affected by the Bombing

This song is not just a reflection of one man’s experiences; it is a tribute to all service members and civilians who endured the bombing of Darwin. Over 600 people were killed or wounded during this tragic event, and the stories of their bravery deserve to be remembered. Through his music, Gary seeks to evoke the spirit of resilience that defined that era and remind us of the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Keeping Memories Alive Through Song

As we remember the bombing of Darwin, we honour the past and ensure that future generations understand the significance of these events. Music has a unique ability to convey the emotions and stories that might otherwise fade away. Through “Blood on the Frangipani,” Gary aims to keep his father’s memories alive while paying tribute to all those who served.

Listen to "Blood on the Frangipani" and reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women during the bombing of Darwin. This song encapsulates their bravery and serves as a reminder that we must never forget our history.

Lyrics to "Blood on the Frangipani"

VERSE ONE

I WAS STANDING AT THE CORNER OF THE PUB ON CAVENAGH
 IT WAS ALMOST 10 AM AND MEN WERE WAITING AT THE BAR
 WHEN I HEARD A SIREN WAILING AND A DRONING FROM AFAR
 RED ZEROES COMIN IN FROM THE HELL OF PEARL HARBOUR

FIRST CHORUS
 THEN THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942
 WE FOUGHT THEM FROM OUR ROOFTOPS WITH MATES THAT I ONCE KNEW
 BUT IF YOU WEREN’T IN DARWIN HOW COULD YOU HAVE A CLUE
 WHEN THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942

VERSE TWO
 AND DOWN ON DARWIN JETTY MORE THAN TWENTY WHARFIES LAY
 THEIR BODIES BURNT AND BATTERED FROM THE FIRE AND OILY HAZE
 WHILE OUT THERE ON THE HARBOUR THE MANUNDA WAS ABLAZE
 AS THE PEARY AND NEPTUNA DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE WAVES

SECOND CHORUS
 COS THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942
 WE FOUGHT THEM FROM OUR BUNKERS WITH MATES THAT I ONCE KNEW
 BUT IF YOU WEREN’T IN DARWIN HOW COULD YOU HAVE A CLUE
 WHEN THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942

VERSE THREE
 AND A LONELY WIRRAWAY SCRAMBLED FOR THE SKY
 SHE NEVER LEFT THE AIRFIELD NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO FLY
 SHE WAS BLOWN TO SMITHEREENS RIGHT BEFORE MY BLOODY EYES
 AUSTRALIA WAS AT WAR AND DARWIN WAS THE PRIZE

THIRD CHORUS
 COS THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942
 WE FOUGHT THEM FROM OUR TRENCHES WITH MATES THAT I ONCE KNEW
 BUT IF YOU WEREN’T IN DARWIN HOW COULD YOU HAVE A CLUE
 WHEN THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942

NARRATIVE BRIDGE
 “ON THE 19TH FEBRUARY 1942, 242 JAPANESE AIRCRAFT BOMBED AND STRAFED DARWIN IN TWO SEPARATE ATTACKS. THEY KILLED OR WOUNDED OVER 600 PEOPLE IN THE FIRST TWO HOURS AND THE ATTACKS WENT ON RIGHT ACROSS THE TOP END ALL THE WAY FROM BROOME IN THE WEST TO TOWNSVILLE IN THE EAST FOR ANOTHER 21 MONTHS, WITH MORE THAN 1500 CASUALTIES. DARWIN ITSELF WAS BOMBED ON 64 OCCASIONS. BUT NEWS OF THE ATTACKS WAS SUPPRESSED BY THE AUTHORITIES AT THE TIME TO DENY THE ENEMY IMPORTANT MILITARY INFORMATION AND TO PREVENT PANIC IN THE SOUTH.”

VERSE FOUR
 DID THEY KNOW IT IN THE SOUTH WHAT WE ALL WENT THROUGH
 DID IT SPREAD BY WORD OF MOUTH THE THINGS THAT WE ALL KNEW
 THE DAY THEY BOMBED OLD DARWIN TURNED THE TOP END UPSIDE DOWN
 BUT THE BATTLE LINES WERE DRAWN AWAY FROM BRISBANE AND THE SOUTH

FOURTH CHORUS
 COS THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942
 WE FOUGHT THEM WITH OUR BROOMSTICKS FOR THE LIKES OF ME AND YOU
 AND YET HERE IN AUSTRALIA DID WE REALLY HAVE A CLUE
 WHEN THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942

VERSE FIVE
 AND I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE OUR BLOOD ON THE FRANGIPANI
 OR GUNS BLAZING FROM HER DECKS AS THE PEARY SANK AND VANISHED
 BUT THE TRACER BULLETS SCREAMED FROM THE CANNON ON THEIR WINGS
 AND RIPPED OUR FLESH AND BONES APART - TORE AT OUR HEART STRINGS

FIFTH CHORUS
 COS THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942
 WE FOUGHT THEM WITH LEE ENFIELD AND MATES LIKE SNOW AND BLUE
 AND YET HERE IN AUSTRALIA DID WE REALLY HAVE A CLUE
 WHEN THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942

FINALE
 WHEN THE BOMBS RAINED DOWN ON DARWIN IN 1942

AD LIB: AND I HOPE - YOU NEVER SEE - OUR BLOOD ON THE FRANGIPANI