NO. 23 OPERATIONAL BASE UNIT (OBU) RAAF
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

No. 23 Operational Base Unit RAAF was established in Townsville, Queensland on 3 July 1942.

On 1 December 1942, 23 OBU had a strength of 22 Officers and 349 Airmen.

L.A.C. George Edward Marshall (21968), Messman Group V, died in the Townsville General Hospital on 19 December 1942 as a result of injuries received in a road accident in Townsville on 15 December 1942.

An air raid alarm was sounded at 0015 hours on 24 December 1942. The All Clear was sounded at 0040 hours. The aircraft was identified as a Friendly aircraft.

Atmospheric disturbances of moderate intensity caused little difficulty on the frequencies is use on the W/T Watches during December 1942. Despite a change of frequency considerable interference from other stations were experienced.

On 5 January 1943, the house owned by Mrs. A. M. Rouse, at 21 Bundock Street, Belgian Gardens was handed over to Headquarters North Eastern Area for their disposal. This house was formerly required for the dispersal of personnel and stores from 23 OBU.

On 16 January 1943, the Meteorological Section moved to new quarters in the Navigation Officers and Crew Room next to the Intelligence Section. The Anemometer and pilot balloon equipment remained at the old Meteorological site next to the Aeradio Station, Garbutt.

On 31 January 1943, a Yellow preliminary air raid warning was given at 1742 hours. An Air Raid Warning was then sounded at 1801 hours. The All Clear was sounded at 1812 hours when the aircraft was identified as being Friendly.

Atmospheric disturbances caused considerable trouble on the reconnaissance W/T watches. Despite several changes of frequency during January 1943, interference was experienced from other stations located in the vicinity of the airfield. The Mobile station located on the airfield and operated by the 15th Weather Squadron USAAF, caused a very bad form of interference and representations were made in an effort to have that trouble reduced.

The Meteorological transmission formerly made from this Unit was transferred to North Eastern Area Headquarters W/T Station (Sydney Street) from 9 January 1943. A large number of intercept messages were received following a change in watch keeping frequency for the South Pacific Area. The interference referred to above was particularly troublesome in January 1943.

Modifications to the Sense Switch of H/F D/F receiver was made during January 1943. In addition to the usual set of routine tests, two complete sense checking calibrations were carried out.

On 15 February 1943, eight houses which were formerly required for the dispersal of Signals, Messing, Barracks and Meteorological and Transport personnel for 23 OBU were handed over to 22 Base Wing Headquarters for disposal. The owners and addresses of the houses were as follows:-

1. A.M. & H. Trollope at 32 Ralston St, West End
2. M.A. Owens at 48 Ralston St, West End
3. E. Pent at 98 Potts St, Belgian Gardens
4. J.W. Whebell at cnr. Leigh and Flinders St, West End
5. W.R. Fransway at cnr. Edwards & Flinders St, West End
6. J.H. Turner at Flinders Street West, Garbutt
7. H.F.A. Robinson at 147 Bundock St, Belgian Gardens
8. H.F.A. Robinson at 149 Bundock St, Belgian Gardens

The ground level of St. Columba's Church, Bundock Street, Belgian Gardens which had been used as a Sergeants and Airmen's Mess for dispersed personnel of 23 OBU was also handed over to Headquarters 22 Base Wing for disposal. No. 3 Shipping and Stores Unit (3SSU) also used the ground floor of St. Columba's Church as an Airmen's Mess at some stage during WWII.

Heavy atmospheric interferences were experienced on Reconnaissance frequencies on W/T Watches during February 1943. Local interference to both SOUWESPAC and SOUPAC recco. watches were alleviated by a change in frequencies and an increase in number and accuracy of intercepted messages resulted. Townsville W/T Station took over SOUPAC Reconnaissance Watch as from 26 February 1943. A modification was made to all tuning condensers on the D/F Receiver.

Strength for 23 OBU on 28 February 1943 was 20 Officers and 285 airmen.

On 7 March 1943, the Meteorological Section commenced preparation of two extra broadcasts daily consisting of Synoptic Weather and In-Flight Reports for the Navy.

On 17 March 1943, the house at 151 Bundock Street, Belgian Gardens formerly occupied by Transport Section was handed over to North Eastern Area for disposal.

On 20 March 1943, the house at 32 Harold Street, West End, formerly occupied by the Pay and Accounting Section was handed over to Headquarters North Eastern Area for disposal. The Pay and Accounting Section had relocated to the old Hospital Block Building at 23 OBU which was formerly occupied by Headquarters 22 Base Wing.

On 15 March 1943, Headquarters No. 22 Base Wing ceased to function as a Lodger Unit with 23 OBU. No. 3 Divisional Works Office was attached to 23 OBU on the same day.

On 22 March 1943, a Practice Air Raid including an Alert Alarm and an ALL Clear was held from 1910 hours to 1945 hours. The response by 23 OBU was deemed as satisfactory.

Owing to the continued expansion the Kit Repository Section took over the adjacent Section previously occupied by the Fire Tender and Equipment section. This additional area will be utilised for Short Period Lodgements according to instructions from Central Kit Store, Melbourne. Construction work for Radio-Sonde Observations began during March 1943 for the Meteorological Section.

Conditions on W/T watches during March 1943 were fair. Slight atmospheric and strong interferences from local transmitters and electrical appliances made reception very difficult at times on the SOUWESPAC reconnaissance watch. Several successful tests were made with a vessel of the Sea and Air Rescue Service using R/T and operating off Cairns.

On 13 April 1943, His Excellency The Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson visited 23 OBU accompanied by the A.O.C., Air Commodore A. Cobby, D.S.O., D.F.C. and departed on the same day. On 20 April 1943, The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal G. Jones visited 23 OBU and departed on the following day.

21 Boomerang aircraft of the newly formed 84 Squadron passed through 23 OBU during April 1943 en route to Horn Island. Conditions on W/T Watches during April 1943, were good. Slight atmospheric and strong local interference from nearby transmitters and electrical appliances were still making reception difficult on the SOUWESPAC reconnaissance watch.

Two successful tests were conducted with vessels of the Sea and Air Rescue Service using R/T and operating off Cairns. Boomerang aircraft of No. 84 Squadron were provided with two way R/T communication on two flights to Horn Island via Cairns by 3 Fighter Sector and Cairns and Horn Island.

On 1 May 1943, No. 86 Squadron RAAF formed on 23 OBU as a Lodger Unit. On 22 May 1943, 86 Squadron moved from 23 OBU to Ross River Airfield.

On 30 May 1943, V.C. His Excellency, General The Right Honorable Lord Gowrie P.C., G.C.M.G. C.B., D.S.O., L.L.D. and party arrived at 23 OBU in Hudson A16-55 at 1250 hours and departed at 1342 hours on the same day.

The rear of No. 1 Store Depot Garbutt, owned by R.V. Schmidt was handed back to Headquarters North Eastern Area for disposal.

Conditions on W/T Watches during May 1943 were fair. Atmospheric disturbances were only slight, but local interference from nearby transmitters and electrical appliances was still causing considerable interference. Test with vessels of the Air Sea Rescue Service were continued with successful results during May 1943. Assistance was given to the setting up and operation of a test section of a mobile H/F D/F Unit gaining field experience in the locality.

Satisfactory arrangements were made for two way R/T Communication with ground station and fighter aircraft proceeding to Horn Island. A modification was made to the monitor unit on D/F Watches which resulted in a more even response in the audio level in the South East and North West quadrants.

Three Field General Court Martials were held at 23 OBU on 8 June 1943. On 13 June 1943, 24 Spitfires of 79 Squadron arrived enroute from Darwin to Goodenough. Two Spitfires collided on landing leading to the death of Flying Officer Virgil Paul Brennan (404692), D.F.C., D.F.M. Sergeant L.H. Gardner was uninjured.

Conditions on W/T Watches during June 1943 were fair. Atmospheric disturbances were slight, but at times heavy interference was experienced from nearby transmitters and electrical appliances, although in most instances the trouble was quickly eliminated. Satisfactory arrangements were provided for two way R/T communication with ground stations and flights of fighter aircraft proceeding to Horn Island. Nil modifications were made to the D/F Receiver. A number of intercepts were obtained for Intelligence purposes.

Stromlo prediction Ionospheric condition reports received during July 1943 proved correct and conditions on the W/T Watches varied from fair to good as had been predicted. Atmospheric interference was responsible for poor reception of signals on occasions., but local electrical appliances such as arc welders which were not fitted with suppressor condenser units, caused heavy interference until remedial action had been taken. Satisfactory two way communication was provided for flights of fighter aircraft proceeding to Horn Island.

Temporary modifications to the D/F receiver were effected by inserting spacing strips of local manufacture in the phasing coils in the base of four masts. These modifications were made pending the arrival of the standard spacing strips which conform with a certain AIRBOARD modification order.

Strength for 23 OBU on 1 August 1943 was 21 Officers, including 3 Staff Chaplains (part time) and 239 Airmen.

Conditions on the W/T Watches for August 1943 were fair for the majority of the month. At no time was it necessary to resort to the use of alternative frequencies. Occasional heavy interference was experienced from spasmodic transmissions of point to point stations working on frequencies close to those allotted for the operation of our circuits.

23 OBU was manning the Naval Convoy Reconnaissance Frequency for that area and passed to A.O.P.  N.E.A. all signals received or intercepted on that watch. The Watch is operated in accordance with A.O.D. 653 (43) Section VI, W/T Organisation for Coastal Convoys.

Two way communications for flights of Fighter aircraft proceeding to Horn Island were satisfactorily arranged as required.

All signals traffic to and from Townsville W/T Station, with the exception of Telegrams and Safe Hand Signals, were handled by Teleprinter and Tone Line circuits. Both those circuits link 23 OBU with Townsville W/T Station, and although the Tone Line circuit caters for all types and priorities of messages, the Teleprinter's main operation is to expedite the handling of Aircraft Movement messages.

The Officer in charge of the D/F Calibration party arrived at 23 OBU during the second week of August 1943 and ground check calibrations were subsequently made by him at the D/F Station. The Officer also made a thorough inspection of all the D/F equipment and later forwarded to AirBoard a report on his inspection. The remainder of the personnel of the Calibration Party had arrived and air calibration of the D/F Station was in progress. During August 1943 the following bearings were supplied:-

On 12 September 1943, Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the President of the USA arrived in a B-24 Liberator and departed the same day.

A change of frequency on the Operational Watches during the later part of September 1943 resulted in much improved conditions. Heavy interference which was prevalent earlier in September was not encountered after the new frequencies became effective, and operators could then compile in their Watch Logs a complete record of all traffic handled on the respective circuits.

During September 1943, further flights of fighter aircraft proceeding north were provided with essential two way communication. In all cases, communication required was satisfactorily arranged with RAAF Signals Sections on the route flown. This Signals Section was responsible for the facilities provided.

Until the last day of September 1943, all traffic passed through 23 OBU and Townsville W/T Station had been handled by the Teleprinter and Tone Line Circuits but at 0030/Z on 30 September, on instructions from Townsville W/T Station, the Tone Line Circuit was closed down, and in future was to be used only in the case of a Teleprinter circuit failure. With the exception of the Safe Hand despatch system, the Teleprinter was then their only link with Townsville W/T Station.

On the recommendation of the Officer in charge of the D/F Calibrating Party which ground and air calibrated the H/F D/F Station last month a new set of Q.T.E. - Q.D.M. Charts were recently supplied to this Station. Owing to the construction of many large metal, mostly iron, buildings in the vicinity of the D/F Station since the previous calibrations, magnetic variations resulting caused the compilation of the new Charts, one Chart for each frequency used by the Station.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 October 1943 was 23 Officers, 254 Airmen, and 11 WAAAF Airwomen.

Conditions on the W/T Watches were fair for the majority of days during October 1943, and at no time did it become necessary to resort to the use of alternative frequencies. Since the beginning of October a twenty four hour watch on the Naval Convoy Reconnaissance Frequency had been maintained, during which time this station had been made control for all stations in North Eastern Area. The Primary Aircraft Reconnaissance Watch had been allotted new frequencies, which should ensure satisfactory communications during the summer period. This station was also control for all North Eastern Area stations on this Watch.

During October 1943 further flights of fighter aircraft proceeding north were provided with essential two way communication. In all cases, communication required was satisfactorily arranged with RAAF Signal Sections on the route flown.

As there was only one teleprinter circuit failure during October 1943, all traffic passed by this section to Townsville W/T, except for Safe Hand despatch, was by Teleprinter, the Tone Line circuit being opened only on the night of 23 October 1943.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 November 1943 was 24 Officers, 221 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officer and 43 WAAAF Airwomen.

Conditions on W/T Watches during November 1943 had been fair. No change had been made in regard to the Primary Reconnaissance Watch. This station was now acting as W/T guard for the Townsville D/F Station, during time when D/F is working on other frequencies or carrying out maintenance work.

All traffic passed by this section to Townsville W/T, with the exception of Telegram and Safe Hand Signals, was by Teleprinter circuit, the Tone Line Circuit being closed.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 December 1943 was 27 Officers, 211 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officer and 51 WAAAF Airwomen.

Conditions on W/T Watches during December 1943 were fair to good, but interference due to atmospherics ad increased over the period. The D/F Watch on 6360 & 3030 Kcs. was then worked in the Signals Office, and transferred over the D/F when bearing on aircraft required.

The D/F kept a continuous watch on 6540 Kcs. On request a watch on 3845 Kcs was maintained with No. 7 Squadron aircraft for exercises purposes only. During the month all aircraft on travel flights were provided with essential tow-way communications.

All traffic passed by this station to Townsville W/T with the exception of Telegram and Safe Hand Signals, was passed by the Teleprinter, except on six different days, when the Teleprinter Circuit was unserviceable for a short period and traffic was passed over the Tone Line.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 January 1944 was 21 Officers, 205 Airmen, and 2 WAAAF Officers and 63 WAAAF Airwomen.

The new Sergeant's Mess was occupied on 14 January 1944.

Conditions on the W/T Watches were fair for the majority of fays during January 1944 and at no time did it become necessary to resort to the use of alternative frequencies. Interference through atmospherics was slight though on the Convoy Watch interference through R/T was experienced over a short period, as a result of which bearings were taken by Charters Towers, Cloncurry and Townsville D/F Stations. The D/F Watch on 6369 Kcs. and 3030 Kcs. kept in the Signals Office was maintained satisfactorily.

From 19 to 28 January 1944, a Watch was opened on 6335 and 3315 Kcs. for Torpedo Recovery Launch 03-12, travelling from Brisbane northwards. During January 1944, the exercise Watch with 7 Squadron Mobile Unit was unable to be maintained, on account of staff and equipment position. During January 1944, all aircraft on travel flights had been provided with essential tow-way communication.

All traffic passed by this Section to Townsville W/T with the exception of Telegrams and Safe Hand Signals, was passed by the Teleprinter, except on four different days when the Teleprinter Circuit was unserviceable for a short period and traffic was passed over the Tone Line.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 February 1944 was 16 Officers, 203 Airmen, and 2 WAAAF Officers and 46 WAAAF Airwomen.

On 21 February 1944, No. 42 Radar Wing Headquarters moved from Garbutt to Aitkenvale to a site previously occupied by 36 Squadron and they ceased to be a lodger unit on No. 23 OBU. No.36 Squadron transferred to Garbutt as a lodger unit on No. 23 OBU.

Conditions on the W/T Circuits for February 1944 were fair, with heavy interference and atmospherics on both the Reconnaissance and Convoy night frequencies experienced during the middle of February 1944, but conditions improved over the last week of February 1944. The D/F  Watch on 6360 Kcs., 2120 Kcs. and 3030 Kcs. was maintained by the Signals Office and a listening watch on 3030 Kcs. between the hours of 1600Z and 2000Z was kept by the D/F Station, in addition to their watch on Aeradio frequency.

The special watch maintained for the Recovery Launches and ketches travelling from Brisbane northwards was closed on 15 February 1944. During February 1944, all aircraft on travel flights were provided with essential to-way communication.

All traffic passed by this station to Townsville W/T with the exception of Safe Hand Signals, was passed by Teleprinter, except when the Teleprinter Circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by the Tone Line.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 March 1944 was 19 Officers, 200 Airmen, and 2 WAAAF Officers and 61 WAAAF Airwomen.

Conditions of the W/T circuits generally for March 1944 have been very bad in March 1944 with heavy interference and atmospherics on Reconnaissance convoy and D/F night frequencies especially 4,000 Kcs. All traffic passed by this Station to Townsville W/T with the exception of Safe-hand signals were passed by Teleprinter, except when the Teleprinter circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by the Tone Line.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 April 1944 was 22 Officers, 180 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officers and 74 WAAAF Airwomen.

An Avro Lancaster piloted by F/Lt Peter Isaacson arrived at Garbutt Airfield on 24 April 1944 and departed for Cairns on 27 April 1944.

Conditions of the W/T circuits for April 1944 were generally fair, although heavy atmospherics were experienced on the Reconnaissance night frequency, during the period 6 - 11 April 1944.

All traffic by this station to Townsville W/T with the exception of Safe Hand Signals, were passed by Teleprinter, except when the Teleprinter Circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by the Tone Line.

The Radio Range was in operation approximately 300 hours during April with the performance being generally satisfactory.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 May 1944 was 19 Officers, 187 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officers and 72 WAAAF Airwomen.

Security Control Air Travellers Section commenced operations at Garbutt Airfield on 22 May 1944.

Conditions on the W/T circuits for May 1944, were generally fair during daylight hours but heavy atmospherics and general interference were experienced on both the Stand-by D/F Watch and the Primary Reconnaissance frequencies up to the change-over to the night frequency.

All traffic passed by this Station to Townsville W/T with the exception of Safe Hand Signals, was passed y Teleprinter, except when the Teleprinter Circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by phone or the Tone Line. The performance of the Radio Range was generally satisfactory during May 1944.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 June 1944 was 20 Officers, 187 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officers and 74 WAAAF Airwomen.

Spitfires of 548 Squadron RAF arrived from Amberley Airfield on 10 June 1944. One Spitfire in the first group of twelve forced landed at Proserpine after an engine failure and another forced landed in a field. Another Spitfire landed at Ingham. One Spitfire piloted by P/O Brown hit four oil drums whilst taxying at Garbutt Airfield and nosed over. Another Spitfire in the second group of 12 Spitfires to leave Amberley, piloted by F/Sgt Hopkins had an engine failure and crash landed in a crocodile infested river, location unknown!

The remaining Spitfires of 548 Squadron RAF departed Garbutt Airfield for Darwin on 14 June 1944.

Conditions on the W/T circuits for June 1944 were fair during daylight hours, but very heavy atmospherics and interference were experienced on both the Stand-by D/F Watch and the Primary Reconnaissance frequencies. During the period 17 -1 9 June 1944, a watch was opened for Launch "UA53" leaving Townsville for Cairns. All aircraft on travel flights were provided with essential two-way communication.

All traffic passed by this station to Townsville W/T with the exception of Safe Hand signals, was passed by Teleprinter, except when the Teleprinter circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by Phone of the Tone Line. The performance of the Radio Range for June 1944 was only fair due to the power failure. The usual weekly ground calibration of the H/F D/F Station was carried out, and the information on same was forwarded to No. 12 Signals Unit.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 July 1944 was 20 Officers, 181 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officers and 75 WAAAF Airwomen.

On 31 July 1944, No. 5 Communication Unit moved from the hangar in Air Transport Command area to the 36 Squadron area.

Conditions on the W/T circuits for July 1944 were fair, the Primary Reconnaissance Frequency was fair to good, but the night frequency of 3030 Kcs on the Stand-by /F Was was not at all satisfactory, heavy atmospherics and interference from weathers and broadcast stations, necessitated other stations in the group to act as guard until the change of frequency again. A Watch was opened from 16 to 18 July 1944 for Torpedo Recovery Launch O3-13 leaving Townsville for Cairns. All aircraft on travel flights were provided with essential two-way communications.

All traffic passed by this station to Townsville W/T with the exception of Safe Hand signals, were passed by Teleprinter, except on three different occasions when the Teleprinter circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by Phone or the Tone Line. The Radio Range was in operation for one week only during July 1944. During that week it was off the air 18 times owing to power failures. The Radio Range will be off until such time as the power supply is guaranteed.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 August 1944 was 16 Officers, 179 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officers and 70 WAAAF Airwomen.

Conditions on the W/T Circuits for August 1944 were fair. During daylight hours frequencies on the Reconnaissance Convoy and D/F Watches were fair with slight atmospherics. Signals on the Reconnaissance had a tendency to fade during the morning hours. The night frequencies were quieter except for the Convoy Watch on which there was experienced a considerable amount of interference. The Reconnaissance frequency was changed on 15 July 1944. All aircraft on travel flights were provided with essential two-way communication.

Traffic passed by this Station to Townsville W/T was all passed by Teleprinter with the exception of Safe Hand Signals, or when the Teleprinter circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by phone or the Tone Line.

For August 1944, the Radio Range has been unserviceable and off the air due to power failures. A 5Kva Emergency Power Supply Unit has been received and installation was completed on 31 August 1944.

Garbutt Airfield was closed on 22 August 1944 due to weather conditions. Owing to intrusion of moist NW air aloft, conditions approximated to "wet season" weather, with low cloud base, intermittent light rain and poor visibility.

There were no entries for September 1944 in the ORB for 23 OBU.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 October 1944 was 17 Officers, 167 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officers and 71 WAAAF Airwomen.

During October 1944, conditions on the W/T circuits were fair to good. On the Reconnaissance, Convoy and Stand-by D/F Watches the day frequencies were good with slight atmospherics and interference. Night frequencies were only fair especially in the early morning when atmospherics increased considerably. All aircraft on travel flights were provided with essential tow-way communication and information on all signals facilities.

Traffic passed by this station to Townsville W/T was all by Teleprinter, with the exception of Safe Hand Signals, or when the Teleprinter circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by phone or the Tone Line.

The performance and condition of the Radio Range equipment for October 1944 was quite satisfactory and was on the air continuously except for a period of seven hours; time taken on the monthly inspection and the servicing of two faults - power failures from the main line were supplemented by the emergency supply unit.

Dust storms prevailed over the area from 17 to 19 October 1944, and the airfield was closed on 18 October due to these dust storms.

Strength of 23 OBU on 1 November 1944 was 16 Officers, 179 Airmen, and 1 WAAAF Officers and 77 WAAAF Airwomen.

On 1 November 1944, No. 6 TMO Air Section took over the building previously occupied by the Security Control of Air Travellers Section.

Lancaster PD328 "Aries" visited Garbutt Airfield on 29 November 1944 on an Empire Navigational Instructional Tour.

During November 1944, conditions on the W/T circuits were fair to good. On the Reconnaissance, Convoy and Stand-by Watches, the day frequencies were good with slight atmospherics and interference. Night frequencies were only fair especially in the morning when atmospherics increased considerably. All aircraft on travel flights were provided with essential two-way communication and information on all signals facilities.

Traffic passed by this station to Townsville W/T, was all by Teleprinter, with the exception of Safe Hand Signals or when the Teleprinter circuit was unserviceable and traffic was passed by phone or the Tone Line. The performance and condition of the Radio Range equipment for November 1944 was quite satisfactory and was on the air continuously except for a period of 16 hours, time taken on the monthly inspection and servicing.

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This page first produced 18 July 1998

This page last updated 03 November 2023