Location
Located at Darwin.
Construction
The first RAAF airfield built in the
Norther Territory. Construction began in 1938, and
on June 1, 1940, The airfield was also called RAAF Station
Darwin, or RAAF Darwin.
Wartime History
This otherwise
remote base became the an important location during
WWII. After Allied units fell back to Australia in
early 1942, it became a target for Japanese air raids,
and became an important Allied airfield. Darwin was
contiually repaired and expanded during WWII. About
75 units operated there during the war, from the RAAF,
USAAF and RAF.
Units Based at Darwin (partial list)
HQ FEAF, HQ 5th Bomber Command Dec 25, 1941 - Jan 14, 1942
Japanese Air Raids
The Japanese attacked in two raids on February 19, 1942.
The second raid targeting RAAF Darwin, intercepting
them were P-40's of the USAAF 33rd Pursuit Sqn, that
lost most of its aircraft and four pilots killed.
Following this attacks, the base was also targeted
by other Japanese air raids.
Today
Still in use as Darwin's
airport.
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