The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys 2022 Defence jersey pays tribute to the rich Australian Defence Force history entrenched throughout North Queensland. The jersey, worn during NRL ANZAC Round 7 displays elements inspired by Townsville’s 1942 bombings during the Second World War.
Nearly eighty years have passed since Townsville experienced its first air raids. On July 26 1942, Townsville City was targeted by two Japanese Kawanishi H8K1 flying boats in the early hours of the morning. An armed forces’ dance was still in full swing when the Air Raid sirens began. As sirens rang police and air-raid wardens directed patrons to safety until Flinders Street was completely deserted. The Japanese aircrafts circled the city for 20 minutes before dropping a series of bombs, in what would be the first of three raids throughout the week. Thankfully over the course of the raids, no injuries incurred*.
In a collaboration between the Cowboys, North Queensland Australian Defence Force representatives and Dynasty Sport, our official apparel partner, this years’ Defence jersey represents an important piece of our community’s history.
The jersey illustrates distinct elements from the story of Townsville’s 1942 bombings, with the city’s iconic Castle Hill featuring on the base of the jersey.
The silhouette of soldiers with AA guns can be seen from the lower left corner of the jersey front, with spotlights shining across the chest to four aircrafts flying in a starry night sky.
The back of the jersey features the silhouette of the Townsville War Cemetery, the burial site of 222 Second World War veterans.
Across the edge of the jersey, is an illustration of a field of poppies with the phrase ‘Lest We Forget’, in commemoration of the service and sacrifice made by those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations over time.
The exclusive Defence jersey will be worn by the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys during the upcoming NRL ANZAC Round match, proudly supported by Townsville City Council – Round 7 against the Gold Coast Titans on 23 April at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The jersey is now available in-store and online in men’s, women’s and kids sizes at the Cowboys Team Shop.
*TOWNSVILLE DURING WORLD WAR II, Associate Professor I.N. Moles.
