NOTABLE EVENTS
IN ARNHEM LAND, GOVE AREAS
DURING WWII
Phil Herdman has researched and produced the following list of WWII events in Arnhem Land, & Gove areas, including Melville Bay / Milingimbi, Wessel Island & Groote Eylandt.
| 31 Jul 1940 | First known WW2 aircraft to Milingimbi to inspect airstrip. 13 Sqn Hudson A16-84. |
| 22 Sep 40 | Milingimbi used by 13 Sqn as forward base |
| 10 Jul 41 | Milingimbi used by 12 Sqn as forward base |
| 3 Nov 41 | Naval Coast Watch Station Wessel Island at 11° 09’ 136° 41’ in operation. Manned by Petty Officer JENSEN ‘Jack’ Winston John (‘Melville’ Special Intelligence Service). |
| 28 Aug 42 | HMAS Southern Cross arrived Wessel Island with stores & mail. |
| 2 Sep 42 | HMAS Southern Cross arrived Milingimbi where 26549 Cpl STRAPPS Arthur John. HQNWA & 2 others in charge of aerodrome. |
| 14 Mar 42 | A Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk, flown by F/Lt Clarence E. SANDFORD of the American 79th Pursuit Group, 7th Squadron, after being involved in an air raid on Horn island having his instruments shot up, headed for Coen (QLD) but ended up running out of fuel just short of Bremer Island near Gove. After baling out and swimming to the island he was found by 2 aborigines and taken to Yirrkala mission where he recovered and eventually flown to Darwin. |
| 2 May 42 | 2 Security Guards of 51 OBU arrive at Groote Eylandt as caretakers. The main party arrived during Jun-Jul 42. |
| 11 May 42 | Advance party of 51 OBU arrive at Groote by flying Boat. |
| 14 May 42 | Milingimbi used by 2 Sqn as forward base |
| 15 Jul 42 | Gannet A14-3 of 2 Air Ambulance Unit evacuated 19492 Ac1 HAYES Ronald Murray with severe axe cut & 62841 Ac1 BLACK John Watkin with strain during bayonet exercise from 51 OBU. |
| 19 Jul 42 | Cypher tent occupied by 264281P/O HALLSWORTH NFD (Cypher Officer) & 50966 Ac1 COOKE D (Clerk General) destroyed by fire at 51 OBU. |
| 27 Jul 42 | 37734 Ac1 BYWATER Keith Robert William evacuated from 51 OBU to 1 MRS by Hudson A16-138. |
| 6 Aug 42 | Gannet A14-6 of 2 Air Ambulance Unit enroute to Groote Eylandt crashed at the bottom of Arnhem Bay near the Goromoru River. The crew was eventually rescued and the journey they took to effect their own rescue is in the book “33 Days” by George BOOTH, a member of the crew. |
| 22 Aug 42 | 28013 LAC LAWSON Percival John 51 OBU “Disobeyed standing orders in that he did at approx. 1000hrs discharge his rifle within 2 miles of the OBU.” Fined 7 day’s pay. |
| 26 Sep 42 | Complete destruction of tent & contents by fire occupied by 10093 Cpl LONG Albert Sanders & 33028 Cpl LANE Robert Henry at 51OBU. |
| 22 Oct 42 | Fire destroys tent occupied by 21060 Sgt WILLIAMS RD & 22726 Cpl FREEMAN Charles Richard at 51 OBU. |
| 26 Oct 42 | 10093 Cpl LONG Albert Saunders 51 OBU “neglected to obey SSO whilst acting as Orderly NCO permitted the radio to be working at 2310hrs & failed to see that lights out were enforced at 2230hrs contrary to SSO para 10 & 21.”Awarded severe reprimand. |
| 28 Oct 42 | 62840 LAC BERWICK William Arthur sustained serious injury suffering multiple fractures when erecting stores building (at 51 OBU). Evacuated to 1 MRS on 29th in Hudson A16-134. |
| 10 Dec | 10 miles north of Cape Wessel HMAS Castlemaine was attacked by machine gun fire by a Japanese floatplane, while escorting SS Alagna from Darwin to the Wessel Islands. Nil damage to either vessel. |
| 10 Dec 42 | One Beaufort from 7 Sqn. A9-134. Sighted HMAS Castlemaine without ships in convoy at 100420Z. Fired at our aircraft before ID could be established. |
| 15 Dec 42 | It was reported to Base Intelligence Horn Island (By N.O.C. Thursday Island) that two submarines had been sighted at 28 and 80 miles north of Wessel Island. 2 Beaufort bombers (7 Sqn) were dispatched the following day to investigate. |
| 15 Dec 42 | S.S. Period, while in convoy with ‘James Cook” & HMAS Castlemaine,
was bombed by Japanese floatplane north of Wessel Island at 10° 55’S,
136° 37’E. 4 killed and 6 injured.
Killed were:- FRASER Stanley Thorburn. Age 20 Able Seaman Merchant Navy Injured were:- HEFFERMAN Jeremiah 3rd Officer, Period was travelling with S.S.James Cook being escorted by HMAS Castlemaine from Wessel Islands to Darwin. An hour later a floatplane attempted to attack the convoy but was repulsed by anti-aircraft fire. The Period was again attacked on the 16th December at 11° 27’, 134° 06’ but the bombs missed the Period and the vessel was not damaged. |
| 16 Dec 42 | Beaufort A9-127 (7 Sqn) on patrol from Horn Island, piloted by
408222 F/O WHISHAW Denis Kinloch spotted the S.S. Islander (With a 20
Sqn Catalina A24-24 piloted by 402065 F/O SHIELDS Percy John Rushton
flying around it) & then some 4 miles distant spotted a submarine at 10°
39’ 137° 50’. Bombs were dropped on the submerging submarine and a large
oil slick was seen to rise to the surface. The sub was not seen again
during the remainder of the patrol & 7 Sqn Beaufort “A9-127 attacked
enemy submarine 10 09S 137 48E at 0312/15Z. Possible hit submarine crash
dived stick of bombs released 100yds ahead of sub. Oil slick 80 x 30ft
observed on surface. No further sign was sighted.” |
| 22 Jan 43 | HMAS "Patricia Cam" bombed and sunk west of Wessel Islands by
Japanese floatplane. (11° 19’ 136° 23’) Reported in 13 Sqn A51 as being
10° 55’ 137°. S6670 Stoker PJ CAMERON - Died of wounds. Rev Len Kentish (Coastwatcher) taken prisoner by the Japanese floatplane (later executed by Naval Officer Lt Sagejima Mangan of 24 Naval Base Force at Dobo, Aru Island, 5 May 1943.)The remains were recovered after the war and buried in Ambon in the Internees Cemetery. 18 servicemen and 1 aboriginal, Naradjin (sic) survived. (Kentish & 3 aboriginals were passengers travelling from Milingimbi to Yirrkala after paddling a canoe to Milingimbi to obtain codes for his coastwatch duties) (1 Aboriginal was the pilot for vessel - Paddy?) |
| 30 Jan 43 | 4 31 Sqn Beaufighters operating from Milingimbi covering Wilcannia & Alagna. At 11° 15’ 135° 27’ Coo 252 A19-19 piloted by 583 F/O STANLEY Joseph Irwin observed bomb bursts, 2 near misses off the stern of rear vessel. Diving through the clouds observed floatplane apparently returning to base after attack. Despite expending all ammunition the floatplane escaped, with some hits & possibly killing rear gunner. The other 3 Beaufighters on staggered timings, nil sightings. |
| 18 Feb 43 | 20893 ROWLAND John Stephen 51 OBU “was engaged in refueling a petrol engine charger using a hurricane lamp as a guide to place of duty. The airman left the lamp in the vicinity of the battery charger, the petrol vapours ignited by the burning lamp. The airman received injuries to left arm & left leg.” Discharged from local hospital 14Mar43. |
| 18 Mar 43 | Hudson A16-181 of 2 Sqn piloted by 400818 P/O NEWMAN Thomas John, crashed while taking off from Milingimbi, there being no injuries. |
| 28 Mar 43 | Submarine attacked 3 times by HMAS Inverell, while escorting Darvel & Kurumba, at 11° 37' 139° 39', oil and bubbles seen, result uncertain. |
| 1 Apr 43 | 59 OBU formed at Milingimbi |
| 3 Apr 43 | Hudson A16-169 of 2 Sqn after staging through Milingimbi was shot
down over Timoeka with no survivors. 271331 S/L BURNS Malcolm Carroll Age 30 400434 P/O JOPE Leslie Richard Age 25 410073 Sgt JOHNSTONE Robert James Age 24 410240 Sgt JONES Kelvin Age 20 404328 Sgt DEAN Alan Arthur Age 26 |
| 4 Apr 43 | Mission BAT.35 2100hrs Zulu, detailed to carry out a single aircraft
(A16-195) search for shipping around Timoeka. Nil shipping, but attacked
installations at Timoeka with some AA experienced. Several hits were
received, with the aircraft making a crash landing, following port brake
gripping some two thirds in the landing roll, causing a ground loop at
Milingimbi on return at 0600hrs Zulu 5Apr43. Starboard undercarriage
collapsed. Crew F/O GLC O'NEILL 406949, Sgt AE CARTER 401299, Sgt JJ LORD 409158, Sgt OWB JEPPERSON 414493 and Sgt MR STAMP 416801 were un-injured. |
| 9 Apr 43 | SS Islander (In convoy with Babinda, Darvel & HMAS Wilcannia) was attacked by Jap floatplane at 11° 09 & 134° 42.The floatplane, while being pursued by a Hudson, dropped 2 bombs which missed the Islander. At 1 & 2 hour intervals after the attack the convoy saw what it thought was a submarine and depth charged it with an unknown result. 2 Sqn Bat 49 A/S Ptl for Force P. A16-233 F/O AUSTIN |
| 10 Apr 43 | At 137° 15’S & 11° 20’E the SS Islander saw a submarine and fired 1 shot from its 12 pounder. HMAS Wilcannia gave chase. Result not known |
| 20 Apr 43 | Two Hudsons, A16-183 and A16-197 of 2 Sqn, assumed to have collided
mid air over Rabuma Island (near Milingimbi) All killed. Field burial
Rabuma Island and Milingimbi Cemetery.
(R)404946 P.O BARNES John Loughnan Age 32 |
| 28 Apr 43 | 2 Sqn Hudson A16-241 missing 30 minutes after take-off
from Milingimbi on a search for a missing Beaufighter. Last radio
message "One engine gone, 30 minutes from Milingimbi."
408811 F/O JAMES Ralph Reginald (Pilot) Age 31 |
| 1 May 43 | Submarine sighted off coast at Wessel Island & “Naval watcher states advise received from Cape Arnhem that submarine off coast” |
| 3 May 43 | “Enemy floatplane with 3 occupants passed over (312 Radar) camp at 400ft at 1200hrs.” |
| 6 May 43 | Hudson A16-171 of 2 Sqn, after staging
through Milingimbi was shot down over Maikoor with all crew lost.
400715 W/O JACKMAN Vivian Lugton Age 25
|
| 7 May 43 | Hudson A16-211, (“Tojo Busters”) 2 Sqn, pilot F/O HORNBY Ray Harold landed heavily at Milingimbi collapsing the undercarriage with no injuries to the crew. |
| 9 May 43 | S.S. "Islander" attacked during 1st air
raid on Milingimbi, by 7 bombers. Sapper PAGET Victor William NX 98147,
age 26, (No 5 Aust Dock Operating Comp - Army) died from shrapnel wound
and buried at Milingimbi cemetery. (Grave No AB7) 10 service personnel injured and one aboriginal (Gulmata) killed during the same raid. Injured were:- John B McCAW 1st Mate (Islander) Evac to Darwin with bullet or shrapnel
wound |
| 10 May 43 | 2nd air raid at Milingimbi by 6-7 Zero’s The vessel, "Maroubra"(30 ton) which had been unloading the "Islander" was sunk. 2 Zero's were shot down with another probable. P/O Bruce LITTLE of 457 Sqn in Spitfire A58-81 (ZP-S) struck the ground while being pursued by a Japanese Zero during the air raid on Milingimbi. P/O Little escaped unharmed. The remains of A58-81 are at Pt Cook (Vic) The Islander had departed just before the raid & was off “Boojiragi Island seven enemy planes attacked the ship….12 ponder fire Machine gun fire appeared to drive off the attackers & 1 Jap Zero plane was seen to be hit & smoking while heading away. No casualties resulted from this attack.” |
| 11 May 43 | "HMAS Latrobe" having escorted "Islander" to deliver pers. & stores of 312 Radar was bombed at Wessel Island by one of two Japanese floatplanes, while retrieving RAAF boats which had drifted away during unloading. One floatplane was shot down by a Beaufighter A19-83, piloted by F/Lt MADDEN of 31 Sqn. The parachute & dinghy from the floatplane were recovered but the pilot could not be found. Nil casualties on Latrobe. |
| 12 May 43 | 4 Japanese floatplanes flew along the coast of the Wessels for 20 minutes at a height of 600 feet. |
| 28 May 43 | 3rd air raid at Milingimbi by 8 bombers
& 6 Zero’s.
402842 F/O BEALE Francis Bruce, Age 25, M.I.A. in Spitfire A58-30. 400458 F/O BLAKE Alfred Henry, Age 24, M.I.A. in Spitfire A58-3. Both aircraft were from 457 Sqn & have never been found. 3 Japanese bombers shot down. |
| 1 Jun 43 | 8884 Cpl BRADSHAW Roy Barclay James 59 OBU “was withdrawing his service .38 revolver from its holster when the revolver was discharged. As a result a bullet went through the webbing of the holster & passed through airman’s left hand causing injury to same, & as a result of same airman will be unfit for duty for a period of 10 weeks…..the airman had had no instruction in the use of a revolver……Recommendation of the Court that all personnel be instructed in the use & handling of revolvers before being permitted to carry one.” BRADSHAW transferred to 1 MRS & subsequently discharged 11Jul43. |
| 1 Jun 43 | 115270 KEYNES Lawrence Samuel John 59 OBU Charged with “Conduct to the prejudice & good order of Air Force discipline in that he at 59 OBU, Milingimbi, did misuse an active service green envelope”. Awarded 10 days CB. |
| 9-11 Jun 43 | 46595 Ac1 YELLAND Ivor Frederick, General Hand 59 OBU, “At Milingimbi between 9-11 Jun 43 stole £5 in money the property of 81111 LAC COOKE Frank Oswald.” Forfeits pay while undergoing for 120 days. |
| 18 Jun 43 | F/O HOPTON Peter Philip Adrian of 7 Sqn in Beaufort A9-296 attacked and destroyed a “Jake” 80 miles N.E. of Wessel Islands at 9° 20’ and 136° 25’. This was the first “kill” for the squadron. |
| 26 Jun 43 | Commanding Officer of 59 OBU (Milingimbi) and party went to Yabuma (sic) Island and placed crosses on the graves of the 6 airmen buried there. |
| 1 Jul 43 | Hudson A16-227 of 2 Sqn, pilot F/O COLEMAN Loris Edward after completing patrol HUG 32, crash landed at Milingimbi with little injury to crew. |
| 2 Jul 43 | At 1020 IK 2 Jul convoy HMAS Latrobe,
Mathew Flinders, Darvel & SS Time proceeding Thursday Island to Darwin
in position 11° 14’ 135° 09’ was attacked by unidentified aircraft from
out of the sun, dropping 2 bombs falling about 100yds on the starboard
beam of the SS Time. This aircraft was only glimpsed momentarily & could
not be engaged. - At 1600IK the convoy was attacked by 2 Japanese floatplanes. 2 bombs fell about a mile on the starboard quarter of the convoy, The first floatplane (JAKE type) was engaged by Latrobe & by ships in the convoy on 3 occasions of approach& appeared to sustain damage on the 3rd occasion when he flew off losing height & was eventually shot down in flames by a escorting Hudson. The 2nd floatplane (RUFE type) twice approached the convoy but on each occasion turned away when engaged with 4 inch & Oerlikons, eventually making off in a north-westerly direction. - Hudson A16-230 F/O THOMAS Alfred Donald 2 Sqn on convoy duty Hug 34 HMAS Latrobe, Mathew Flinders, Darvel, at around 020640Z shot down one of two attacking floatplanes after chasing it for 30 miles. The other floatplane retired. Slight damage to Hudson. |
| 3 Jul 43 | Hudson A16-213 F/O HORNBY Ray Harold on
A/S patrol Hug 37 for HMAS Latrobe, Mathew Flinders, Darvel & Time was
attacked by 2 HAPS at 030040Z. 1HAP driven off heavy black smoke coming
from it, claimed as possibly damaged. Second HAP engaged by Beaufighter
which was also covering patrol. HAP appeared to be damaged.
- Beaufighter sighted a HAP just north of convoy & climbed to attack. Opened fire & the enemy aircraft took evasive action & broke off attack. - At 1015IK in position 11° 12’ 131° 32’ convoy was again attacked, this time by 3 Japanese fighters (ZEKE type). These aircraft flew in low, just clear of the water & were engaged by Latrobe when heading towards the ship & as they passed down the starboard side. They straffed the starboard wing ship of the convoy (SS Time) & then turned away north after the escorting Hudson & disappeared with 2 Beaufighters apparently in pursuit. |
| 7 Jul 43 | Milingimbi - At 1910hrs a petrol dump consisting of 11 drums caught alight & was completely destroyed in a most spectacular fire - fumes from a leaky drum coming in contact with the flame of a lamp which a Sergeant was carrying past the dump, caused the conflagration. |
| 14 Jul 43 | Hudson A16-189 2 Sqn piloted by P/O BRODIE Charles Carson after patrol landed heavily at Milingimbi collapsing the undercarriage but with no injuries. |
| 18 Jul 43 | A party of 11 from 12 Survey & Design arrived at Melville Bay on the ‘Southern Cross’ to carry out survey work to establish an airstrip & flying boat base. |
| 19 Jul 43 | 73669 Ac1 MARTIN Albert Henry, Cook 312 Radar evacuated by air for 1 MRS |
| 22 Jul 43 | 274374 F/O GRAHAME David & 22 airmen dep by air from Batchelor for 321 Radar site, via Milingimbi. |
| 27 Jul 43 | HMAS ‘Southern Cross’ arrived at Yirrkala with 321 radar pers, 6 from 3 MWS, 4 guards, 1 camoufleur & 2 from 59 OBU Marine Section for 321 Radar. |
| 28 Jul 43 | 59938 BECKER Norman Lester 59 OBU “did personally deal with the natives contrary to DRO 79 & 94 dated 12 & 27Jul43. Awarded 5 days FP.” |
| 6 Aug 43 | S.S "Macumba" a 2526 ton vessel with a crew of 8 Officers and 35 ratings was bombed by 2 Japanese floatplanes and sunk later at 11-30S 134-40E some 47 miles north of Milingimbi. Missing believed killed was Mr William Alfred Lane - Chief Engineer. The 2nd Engineer Mr Harold Thomas KELLER and Donkeyman Mr George. DEW died of injuries and were buried at Darwin Civil Cemetery on 9th August. The Macumba was being escorted by HMAS Cootamundra. A DEMS gunner, F.G CLARKE was reported to have shot a float off one of the floatplanes. |
| 7 Aug 43 | 1st aircraft landing in Melville Bay (from Milingimbi) made by 6 Comm. Walrus bringing S/L Davies (CO 8MWS), W/C Rooney, G/C Watson, S/L Mann (CO 1MWS) & P/O De Belle to inspect area. Transferred to Southern Cross to Yirrkala. Camped at 321 Radar. |
| 9 Aug 43 | Party departed Yirrkala, inspected water supply (which became “Cole’s Hole”) then to airstrip site. Stayed o’nite at 12 Survey camp. |
| 10 Aug 43 | Inspection party walked the 15 miles back to Melville Bay along proposed roadway. Flew to Milingimbi. |
| 10 Aug 43 | 2 Spitfires scrambled, P/O FJ YOUNG & F/O WM COOMBES of 452 Sqn shot down 1 Japanese floatplane 32 miles north Milingimbi on a bearing of 22 deg. and another probable about 60 miles nth of Milingimbi. The 2 enemy aircraft had been plotted from 71 miles out and on course for Milingimbi. |
| 15 Aug 43 | Hudson A16-181 2 Sqn. failed to return
to Milingimbi after a mission. There were no communications with A16-181
after take off from Milingimbi. Missing believed killed were:-
416770 Sgt LAMB John Bruce Age 27 |
| 20 Aug 43 | 321 Radar operational. |
| 1 Sep 43 | ‘Southern Cross’ arrives at Melville Bay 2nd trip. |
| 5 Sep 43 | MV Wanaka arrived at Melville Bay from Sydney but could not discharge its cargo as it was overloaded with beer. |
| 9 Sep 43 | Floatplane seen by 7 Sqn A9-370, piloted by F/O James Lyall LEGGE 408854 on patrol N HOR 17, 5 miles from position 06° 58’S 137° 15’E. Pursued, lost in cloud |
| 12 Sep 43 | 3 MWS detachment (6 airmen) arrived at 321 Radar. (Returned to Darwin on the 22nd Sep 1943.) |
| 14 Sep 43 | MV Wanaka arrived at Melville Bay with 8 MWS (2 Off & 58 OR’s) & B Troop 159 LAA (3 Off & 93 OR’s & 6 bofors) |
| 15 Sep 43 | Beaufort A9-370 of 7 Sqn piloted by W/C PARSONS Keith Raymond John intercepted a floatplane at 09° 06S 136° 27E but after being struck by gun fire it escaped. |
| 17 Sep 43 | 66002 CONNELL Cecil James 59 OBU said to 27891 Sgt Ellis “You can go & get well & truly ---“or words to that effect. Awarded 28 days FP |
| 20 Sep 43 | F/O James Lyall LEGGE 408854 in Beaufort A9-329 of 7 Sqn sighted a floatplane some 5 mile distant from position 08° 34’S 136° 56’E. The floatplane was forced to land in the sea by gun fire and was then set on fire and destroyed. |
| 22 Sep 43 | 11/12 Nov 43 Court Martial of 117919 LAC John Stevenson STOUT, Messman, of 8MWS for refusing to do the laundry of F/O Bruce Fitzgerald PARTRIDGE (Officer Commanding Detachment-8MWS) on 22 Sep 43. Sentenced to 21 days Field punishment. |
| 25 Sep 43 | Beaufighter A19-116 (31 Sqn) crashed on
take off at Milingimbi on a test flight. All killed. " The remains of
the crew & passengers were buried in a small cemetery near Milingimbi
mission" Later re-interred at Adelaide River
MWC ARWC 40978 LAC BEGGS, Nathaniel Ross
AA2 CA6 Age 21 |
| 27 Sep 43 | MV Wanaka arrived at Melville Bay with 5 Off & 151 OR’s of 8 MWS. |
| 2 Oct 1943 | Commenced formation of Gove strip. |
| 7 Oct 43 | MV Wanaka arrived with 4 Off & 123 OR’s of 8 MWS & 2 bren gun carriers for 159 LAA. Work on airstrip commenced. |
| 9 Oct 43 | 434623 LAC CRABB Edwin Arthur 8 MWS “In that he while being aboard HMMV Wanaka created a disturbance” Note - this entry was deleted from records AFO 8/3/21. |
| 15 Oct 43 | Hudson A16-178 (2 Sqn) failed to return
to Milingimbi after a Koala search.
417509 P/O OLDRIDGE John Pomeroy Age 21
|
| 16 Oct 43 | MV Wanaka arrived with 9 Off & 73 OR’s of 8 MWS. |
| 17 Oct 43 | 122381 LAC JOHNS Robert David Benjamin 8 MWS, “when asked by Sgt SHKARDOON what he was doing aboard a barge, replied Sitting on my a---“ |
| 19 Oct 43 | RAAF HQ NWA reported unidentified submarine sighted of north coast of Melville Bay. |
| 21 Oct 43 | Search for enemy submarine by 7 Sqn, A9-370 P/O John Bruce LEMCKE 412154 and A9-377 S/L Peter McCallum PAULL 270815 at 18° 05’ 146° 53’ without result. |
| 22 Oct 43 | 128096 Ac1 LUNT Albert Charles 59 OBU “Fails to appear at a place of parade appointed by his Commanding Officer, in that he at 59 OBU at 1500hrs on the 22 Oct failed to appear on parade at the Defense Section to undergo Defense Training “Awarded 10 days FP after election of trial given. |
| 22 Oct 43 | 20945 LAC HARRIS NV 59 OBU, election of trial 23Oct “ at 1530hrs 22 Oct. after being cautioned by 32860 Cpl UPHAM CP, regarding his conduct & disrespectful manner did say, I don’t care if you like it or not, you can do what you like, or words to that effect” Awarded 4 days FP & loss of pay. |
| 23 Oct 43 | 61436 LAC THOMPSON Raymond Alfred 8 MWS (at sea) “did write a letter containing information as to the movements of 8 MWS & attempted to evade Unit censorship by delivering a letter to a person for delivery by hand to a Civil Post Office.” Awarded 28 days FP |
| 23 Oct 43 | 57881 Cpl MORRIS John Albert 8 MWS “When detailed to take charge of a working party on 23Oct43 neglected to do so” Forfeiture of 1 day’s pay. |
| 24 Oct 43 | 130154 LAC LYONS Norman Douglas awarded 28 days field punishment by temporary CO 321 Radar Station after election of trial on 5 Nov 43 “In that he at 321 Radar Station on 24 Oct 43 was improperly in possession of RAAF property, being 280 rounds of .303 ammunition.” |
| 25 Oct 43 | Work commenced at (42 Sqn) sea-plane base by 8 MWS Gove. |
| 28 Oct 43 | S3653 Stoker WATSON James, aboard HMAS Southern Cross, enroute Darwin to Milingimbi was accidentally killed. 28 Oct 1943 Age 52 |
| 5 Nov 43 | 59981 LAC SELKRIG Reginald George 59 OBU Milingimbi, 1st Charge - “Stealing Air Force property, in that he, at 59 OBU at 1210 on the 5 Dec 43 did enter the food store at the Airmen’s Kitchen & take one 2lb tin of sugar, the sugar being property of the Service Mess.” 2nd Charge - “Was improperly in possession of one 2lb tin of sugar, the sugar being property of the Service Mess.” After election of trial given 14 days FP. |
| 6 Nov 43 | 1 page issue of “Melville Digest”, printed by 8 MWS. |
| 7 Nov 43 | Anson piloted by S/L FENTON of 6 Communication Unit flew to Gove to evacuate an airman suffering from acute appendicitis to 1 MRS Darwin. |
| 10 Nov 43 | Capt WEST of the Army War Graves Reg. Unit arrived at Milingimbi to inspect the graves there and those at Rabuma Island. |
| 10 Nov 43 | 1st picture-show at Melville Bay. |
| 10 Nov 43 | 83 Sqn Advance Party of 4 F/Sgts, 4 Sgts, 8 CPL’s, 28 OR’s arr at Milingimbi in 3 Transport aircraft. |
| 11 Nov 43 | Floatplane downed by F/Lt COX, A9-446, of 7 Sqn at approx 09 13S 136 50E |
| 11 Nov 43 | 122381 LAC JOHNS Robert David Benjamin 8 MWS, “was absent from Transport Section 0830-1315hrs, where it was his duty to be.” Awarded 14 days FP |
| 11 Nov 43 | 422256 LAC PAILLAS Allan Philip, 8 MWS, “Without urgent necessity quit his place of duty in that he on the 11th was absent from the Transport Section from 0830-1315hrs.”Awarded 14 days FP. |
| 11 Nov 43 | 51866 LAC ENGLAND Maxwell Reid 59 OBU charged with using insubordinate language to his superior officer in that “when ordered by 34720 Sgt CASTELLI FV not to drive motor transport did say Don’t get off your bike & Take your shirt off now or words to that effect”. Awarded 4 days FP |
| 12 Nov 43 | 1st routine ‘meat run’ to Gove commenced by 6 Communication Unit. 6 Com. Dragon dispatched to Wessel Island to, evacuate cook to 1 MRS Darwin. |
| 12 Nov 43 | 122374 LAC WHITE Brian Patrick 8 MWS “did write a letter containing information as to the location of unit” Awarded 14 days FP. |
| 15 Nov 43 | Unidentified plane over Melville Bay. Thought to be a DINAH. |
| 15 Nov 43 | 9 Boomerang 83 Sqn arrive at Milingimbi |
| 18 Nov 43 | 7330 LAC WILLIAMS Allan Bruce 8 MWS “Improper possession in that he was improperly in possession of a quantity of foodstuffs the property of RAAF” Ordered forfeiture of 4 days pay |
| 19 Nov 43 | Fairmile Motor Launch HMA ML 429 attacked twice by floatplane at 10° 49’ 135° 04’ (North of Milingimbi) while on 269deg course. Both bombs missed due to accurate fire from Ml 429 with Rolls Royce 2 pounder, 20mm Oerlikon & Twin Vickers causing floatplane to release bombs early. No damage to launch. |
| 20 Nov 43 | 13849 LAC MAHER R Vincent Armourer 83 Sqn Milingimbi, whilst unloading Boomerang A46-100, after it had ground looped, a .303 round discharged entering thigh. Sent to 1 MRS Darwin same day. |
| 21 Nov 43 | Beaufighter A19-145 of 31 Sqn was lost
on route from Milingimbi to Coomalie after returning from a raid on
Taberfane. Searches did not locate the aircraft until 1946. Killed were-
406899 F/Sgt GAUNT Henry Harrington
(Pilot) Age 23 |
| 21 Nov 43 | 131599 LAC STANFORD Harold Roy 8 MWS “did write a letter containing information as to the location of Unit.” Awarded 14 days FP. |
| 24 Nov 43 | P/O RUMBOLD & 14 pers, of 3 MWS arrive by air to work on the airstrip with 8 MWS. |
| 26 Nov 43 | Additional 3MWS pers arrive at Gove. |
| 28 Nov 43 | Advance party 83 Sqn arrives at Gove (F/Lt Gillain & 5 OR’s) |
| 2 Dec 43 | Advance party 56 OBU arrives Gove |
| 4 Dec 43 | 74818 LAC CLINTON Joseph Basil, Security Guard Unit, awarded forfeiture of 3 day’s pay for discharging his rifle at 321 Radar Station on 14 Dec 43. |
| 5 Dec 43 | A cricket match at Milingimbi between HQ, 59OBU & 83 Sqn was won by 83 Sqn by 1 run |
| 6 Dec 43 | 70411 LAC TREWEEKE Aubrey William Flight Mechanic seriously injured with first & second degree burns to face & forearms. Cpl UPHAM Colin Percy Fitter 2A slightly injured with first degree burns to face, hands & forearm caused by accidental explosion of petrol. Spark from ASU equipment caused explosion of petrol whilst refueling aircraft auxiliaries. TREWEEKE transferred to 1 MRS, UPHAM to 59 OBU SSQ. |
| 7 Dec 43 | 3 Boomerang 83 Sqn arr at Milingimbi |
| 9 Dec 43 | 126051 LAC ADAMS Reginald Joseph (8 MWS) 3 charges of “Disobey a lawful command - when ordered by Cpl KELLY NJ to sit at a certain table did not do so. Insubordinate language - You can get f-----, I will sit where I like. Striking his superior officer - Struck with his fist in the face of Cpl KELLY”. Awarded 14 days FP. |
| 10 Dec 43 | MV Wanaka arrives at Melville Bay. |
| 17 Dec 43 | 128117 Ac1 INGLES Leslie Berton 59 OBU charged with using insubordinate language to his superior officer in that “when told by 40651 Cpl MAY B not to butt in on meal line replied to said Cpl, Get Fucked.” Awarded 2 days FP. |
| 20 Dec 43 | Enemy aircraft plotted by 321 Radar north of Wessel Islands out to a range of 116 miles. |
| 21 Dec 43 | Enemy aircraft plotted by 321 Radar north of Wessel Islands to range of 140 miles, intercepted and shot down. (Although noted as being shot down cannot find any evidence of this. Ed) |
| 25 Dec 43 | 37192 SGT WATSON John at approx. 2230hrs
struck with fist or hand 127354 LAC DOWELL LR, 79379 LAC HAWTHORNE RJ & 20406 CPL HANCOCK J. Reduced to rank of CPL. |
| 25 Dec 43 | Acting S/L MACKINNON Charles Hector 56 OBU suffered lacerations & 2 fractured ribs in a jeep rollover. (Presumably this happened near the wharf - see next). Delay in reporting to casualty as Royal Aust Navy “did not consider casualty required reporting at the time of happening”. |
| 29 Dec 43 | SS Islander attacked by Betty bomber, 3 bombs dropped. Attack occurred at 09° 22’ 140° 25’ - 09° 25’ 140° 24’ - 09° 32’ 140° 23’. |
| 29 Dec 43 | 127065 LAC KING Albert Henry 8 MWS, suffered severe lacerations to knee as a result of being caught between truck & crusher plant. |
| 1 Jan 44 | Report from 105 FCU of enemy plane on shipping recce NE of Wessel Island |
| 2 Jan 44 | SS Dilga arrives at Melville Bay. |
| 4 Jan 44 | 136083 Ac1 BUTTON Warwick Lionel (56 OBU) admitted to 8 MWS SSQ with second degree burns to hands & legs received whilst attempting to light a chip heater. |
| 6 Jan 44 | 23355 LAC FOOTE Kenneth Ernest 8 MWS died as a result of injuries received during bulldozing operations at Melville Bay. (Gove was called Melville Bay before the airstrip was named) |
| 7 Jan 44 | ‘Southern Cross’ arrives at Melville Bay to take a power barge to Drysdale. |
| 10 Jan 44 | 11 Signals Unit (11 pers) arrives at Gove for installation duties. |
| 10 Jan 44 | 46487 LAC INGRAM Ian SGU 312 Radar ”when reprimanded by F/O REEN said “We dont come up here to get mucked about” or words to that effect.” Awarded 7 days FP. |
| 11 Jan 44 | Hospital construction started by 8 MWS at Gove. |
| 15 Jan 44 | F/Sgt MANN Rex Allen of 83 Sqn, while ferrying Boomerang A46-140 from Milingimbi, crash landed at Pell airstrip. |
| 16 Jan 44 | Investigation into the disappearance of 76 cases of beer. Because of continued petty theft of cargo by the RAAF it was decided to use the Army to transport cargo from the wharf to airstrip. Knowing that the theft of a small amount of beer would be noticed when unloaded at the strip members of 159 LAA had hatched a plan to steal an entire truckload of beer. The beer was stowed in a pre-dug hole & not opened until well after the investigation had ceased. It was never determined at the time who had stolen the beer. |
| 16 Jan 44 | Cricket match between 159 LAA & 321 Radar with 159 the victors. |
| 16 Jan 44 | Report from 105 Fighter Sector one enemy aero-plane on shipping recce on a SW course from a position west of Cape Wilberforce. |
| 17 Jan 44 | 56 OBU took over aircraft arrivals & departures from 8 MWS. |
| 17 Jan 44 | Report from 105 FCU one enemy aero-plane on a WSW course from a position NNW of Cape Wessel. |
| 17 Jan 44 | 122437 LAC LAWSON Hubert Thomas 8 MWS “negligently permitted his rifle to become in a dirty & rusty condition & his haversack to be damaged by ants” 7 Days FP & automatic loss of 7 days pay. |
| 18 Jan 44 | Advance party of 83 Sqn comprising of 40 personnel arrive at Gove. |
| 19 Jan 44 | 83 Sqn arrives at Gove on 7 Douglas aircraft. |
| 21 Jan 44 | 232 LAA arrive at Gove. |
| 22 Jan 44 | Balance of 232 LAA arrived & ‘B’ Troop 159 LAA departs |
| 22 Jan 44 | 13007 LAC McLAUGHLIN Albert Stanley 8 MWS “that he on or about 22 Jan 44 attempted to evade Unit censorship by delivering a letter to a person outside this area contrary to DRO 7/43.” Awarded 7 days FP. |
| 23 Jan 44 | 416963 F/O HEYSON Michael Rudolph 7 Sqn in A9-345 Patrol N “cut short at 09° 30’137° 37’owing to 33 min pursuit of Betty sighted at 10° 05’ 139° 12’ at 230030Z.” |
| 26 Jan 44 | SS Burwah arrives at Melville Bay with 83Sqn cargo. |
| 3 Feb 44 | 9 Boomerangs of 83 Sqn arrive at Gove. |
| 4 Feb 44 | 1st picture show at 56 OBU after arrival of Mobile Picture Unit. |
| 7 Feb 44 | 125052 GAVIN Michael 51 OBU “failed to wash the dishes from the Sergeants Mess as was his duty to do so.” Awarded 2 extra piquets. |
| 12 Feb 44 | Field General Court Martial at 83 Sqn 16 Mar 44 for 5384 F/Sgt SORENSON Gordon Albert Fitter 2E 83 Sqn, for “seizing F/O JL PELZER by the arm & holding him to the seat of a jeep” & for being drunk on 12 Feb 1944.Found guilty & reduced to the ranks. |
| 12 Feb 44 | Field General Court Martial 16 Mar44 for 8787 W/O KUHN Frederick William, WO Discipline, that on 12 Feb 1944 when ordered by F/O Pelzer to get out of the jeep & return to his tent, replied “If we were in the bush I’d bash you, you bastard” or words to that effect. 2nd charge of being drunk. Found guilty of both charges & reduced to the rank of Corporal & forfeiture of 30 day’s pay. |
| 14 Feb 44 | Detachment 1B 3 MWS complete work at flying boat base Melville Bay. |
| 22 Feb 44 | Court Martial of 37192 Sgt WATSON John,
8 MWS. Found guilty of striking 127354 LAC L E DOWELL & 79379 LAC BJ HAWTHORNE & Not Guilty of striking 20406 Cpl J HANCOCK on 25 Dec 1943 & subsequently reduced to the rank of Cpl. |
| 22 Feb 44 | 1st operational flight by 83 Sqn at Gove. |
| 23 Feb 44 | 11313 Cpl SHUGG Albert Ray James Cook 59 OBU charged with Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order & Air Force Discipline - said to 32860 Cpl UPHAM “The Orderly Office Messing Officer & Medical Officer know that there are maggots in the meat & the maggots won’t hurt you or words to that effect knowing same to be untrue.” Admonished by S/L BARWELL CO of 59 OBU. |
| 26 Feb 44 | 1st Beaufort A9-496 2 Sqn landed at Gove, due to bad weather. |
| 26 Feb 44 | 72493 AC1 GILLELAND Ross Smith. Awarded 14 days Field Punishment by the CO of 312 Radar Station after election of trial given 11 Apr 44. “Ïn that he, on 26 Feb 44 when ordered by F/Sgt Nichols to dig a trench did not do so.” |
| 29 Feb 44 | 83 Sqn mascot dog ‘Nigger’ accidently killed by motor truck. |
| 29 Feb 44 | 136326 Ac1 SMITH Ronald Charles 59 OBU “charged with disobeying in such a manner as to show a willful defiance of authority a lawful command given personally by his superior officer in the execution of his duty when ordered by Sgt McIlroy to pack a pile of bottles into a box refused to do so & said - I am not going to pick up your bottles & am going to see the CO & I’ll do no more - you can do what you like or words to that effect”. Awarded 4 days FP |
| 3 Mar 44 | 58615 LAC TAYLOR John, 312 Radar “so
negligently handled a W/T set as to leave it transmitting continuously until transmission was terminated by 3 fuses blowing” Awarded 21 days field punishment. |
| 4 Mar 44 | 24097 Cpl LOWE John DMT 83 Sqn, was awarded a severe reprimand after trial. On 3rd Mar 1944 when ordered to go to bed by Sgt ET Mann, said “who do you think you are talking to” |
| 4 Mar 44 | 76278 LAC MCCALLUM Gregory Alexander Age 20, 8 Mobile Works Squadron. Drowned while swimming a tidal river at Rocky Bay [Gove]. |
| 4 Mar 44 | Nil flying at Gove because of bad weather. |
| 8 Mar 44 | 1 2 Sqn Beaufort & 10 Spitfires ex Darwin, refueled & departed for Horn Island for 79 Sqn. |
| 8 Mar 44 | 52 OBU/41 Sqn Dornier DQH A49-5 lands at Melville Bay from Darwin & RON. Standby escort for Spitfires. Returned to Darwin on 9th. Caught fire 2 days later & was destroyed. |
| 10 Mar 44 | Kittyhawk A24-522 of 84 Sqn missing on flight between Horn Island and Gove. 421479 F/Sgt WALSH Herbert James Ewart (Pilot) |
| 12 Mar 44 | Wirraway A20-178 from 1 PRU arrives at Gove to conduct a photographic survey of the area |
| 12 Mar 44 | 47062 LAC DALY Murray Neville 8 MWS “ In that he without proper authority to do so operated vehicle No 206313 in such a manner as to cause damage to the said vehicle.” Awarded 5 days FP. |
| 13 Mar 44 | Beaufort A9-327 escorting 24 Kittyhawks Horn Is to Livingstone landed Gove. |
| 14 Mar 44 | 122410 LAC COOMBE Wilfred Henry 8 MWS Melville Bay “did write a letter on 14 Mar 44 containing information as to the location of his unit” Awarded 14 days FP. |
| 14 Mar 44 | 128057 LAC DALTON Ernest Mervyn 51 OBU Groote “When asked by 13524 Cpl ALLENDER CJ who had been detailed by the C.O. as to a missing cup, refused to give the required information immediately.” Awarded 4 day loss of pay |
| 23 Mar 44 | Beaufort A9-378 landed Gove escorting 19
Kittyhawks Hughs to Horn Is. Aircraft refueled & departed for Horn Is
but returned due adverse weather with 1 Kittyhawk missing. Kittyhawk
A24-479 of 84 Sqn missing 40 miles east of Gove, on a flight between
Gove and Horn Island.
419802 Sgt EDMONDS Cedric John (Pilot) Age 21 |
| 24 Mar 44 | Photo of 321 Radar taken by F/Lt Berry, a camoufleur from RAAF Command. |
| 27 Mar 44 | SS Darvel arrives Melville Bay |
| 27 Mar 44 | 15132 Cpl BARTLETT Sydney Kenneth 8 MWS “did make a false statement to his Commanding Officer regarding the water supply at the Flying Boat Base” Awarded Reprimand. |
| 29 Mar 44 | Hudson A16-189 arrived at Gove with AVM A T Cole for tour of inspection |
| 30 Mar 44 | Report from 105 Fighter Control Unit
that a hostile aeroplane on shipping recce on a track commencing 60miles
nth of Milingimbi thence SE to Elcho Island, East to Gove and NW over
Wessel Island to a point 90 miles from Milingimbi. Japanese recce plane over Gove strip at 1030hrs. 4 Boomerangs scrambled from Milingimbi. A46-139,122,147 &154. F/Lt Pugh, F/Sgt’s Thompson, Walker & F/O Richardson. From 321 Radar - “At 1028hrs enemy aircraft picked up 31 miles out. Through faults & breakdowns 83 Sqn not advised until 1040hrs.” |
| 31 Mar 44 | Gove strip sealed from 0 to 5000 feet. |
| 3 Apr 44 | Missing on Hughes to Milingimbi flight.
(Found 1946 near Paddy’s Landing on the Adelaide River) Hudson A16-203,
2 Sqn. All crew killed. 425593 P.O
BROCKHURST Colin Desmond Age 22 Listed in a collective grave (SB 10 14) in the Adelaide War Cemetery as listed above. |
| 3 Apr 44 | 39 ZFC moved from Milingimbi to Gove |
| 5 Apr 44 | 308 Radar (Milingimbi) opened W/T watch with 39 Zone Centre Filter at Gove. |
| 8 Apr 44 | Service vehicle No 203910 driven by 131283 LAC PENFOLD AS, overturned at approx. 1130hrsin vicinity 10 mile peg on Rooney’s Route Melville Bay. As a result of same the driver of the vehicle & following passengers sustained injuries - 68077 Cpl CHADWICK F, 39810 Cpl REDIN JW, 130793 LAC LONG DH, 118156 LAC GALLGHER DR, 88406 LAC KING AH, 88404 LAC FULLER EC, 132023 LAC HUNTER H, 142552 LAC WATTS GJ, 83251 LAC McLAUGHLIN FC, 122432 LAC DANIELS JH. |
| 10 Apr 44 | A 6 Communication Unit Anson MG 520 piloted by F/Lt JA MARKS with wireless op. F/O JB DINHAM, enroute from Batchelor to Gove with supplies, force landed on beach on western side of Melville Bay due to weather (‘in a masterly fashion’- accident report) crew uninjured and minor damage to aircraft. With 770 lb of meat on board they lived well for the first day but the meat started to “turn”, efforts to bury the meat failed as the tide uncovered it. A rescue party arrived by launch and after some difficulties the aircraft was flown to Gove by F/Lt MITCHELL of 6 Com. |
| 18 Apr 44 | First night landing on Gove strip by Beaufort A9-317 |
| 27 Apr 44 | 122291 LAC McAVANEY Stanley Mannix 8 MWS “at approx. 1000hrs 27 Apr 44 (at Melville Bay) was absent from the Field Workshops where it was his duty to be. Awarded 1 day FP “ |
| 1-4 May 44 | Graves Registration HQ NT Force inspected & tidied & re-inscribed graves at Milingimbi & Rabuma. |
| 1 May 44 | 30208 Cpl MATHEWS Ronald Allan Syndal, Canteen Steward 59 OBU, “At Milingimbi between 2300hrs on 30 Apr & 0700 1 May 44 was a party to a disturbance in the camp.” Awarded reprimand |
| 1 May 44 | 23241 Sgt BINGHAM Hugh George 59 OBU “ At Milingimbi between 1100hrs on 30 Apr & 0815 1 May 44 misappropriated for his own use approx 24 bottles of beer, the property of the Unit Canteen.” Awarded severe reprimand. |
| 7 May 44 | 2 Boomerangs from 83 Sqn at Gove were ordered to investigate a suspicious track which commenced 55 NE of Gove & proceeded in a WSW direction at a speed 0f 260 mph. Interception was not effected but the aeroplane under suspicion was later identified as friendly by 105 FCU. |
| 8 May 44 | Red Warning - Japanese recce plane sighted 89 miles from Gove on a bearing of 322° passing over Gove strip at 23000’. Then proceeded to & over Wessel Island at 20,000 feet. Last plot 134 miles from Gove. 2 Boomerangs from 83 Sqn were scrambled but reported nil sightings. A46-173 P/O Oliver & A46-158 F/Sgt Johnson. |
| 12 May 44 | 1 Sqn Beaufort’s arrive at Gove for convoy duty SS Babinda arrives at Melville Bay and is unloaded by gang from 83 Sqn. |
| 12 May 44 | 150128 LAC ROBERTS Charles Rainsby, Security Guard Unit, attached to 83 Sqn, awarded 7 days field punishment after election of trial In that he at 2010hrs on 15 Apr 44 used unseemly language to CPL Waite, automatically forfeits 7 day’s pay. |
| 13 May 44 | SS Babinda arrived Melville Bay |
| 13 May 44 | Field General Court Martial 15 Jun 44 for 15539 LAC McKAY Jack Cooks Assist, 83 Sqn, that he on 13 May 1944 said to 24773 Cpl TAYLOR “ I will knock you down you big bastard’ or words to that effect, & then struck Cpl Taylor in the face with his fist. Found guilty but finding was cancelled on 29 Jul 1944 due to misdirection. |
| 15 May 44 | 150128 LAC ROBERTS Charles Rainsby died from injuries received from accidental discharge of .303 service rifle while on duty with Security Guards Unit [Gove]. When jumping from the back of a truck, his rifle butt hit the ground and the rifle discharged, hitting him in the chest. |
| 22 May 44 | Boomerang aircraft A46-173 83 Sqn crashed south of Gove while on gunnery exercise. (Long 136 25½, Lat 13 12½) 422095 P.O AYRE Roy Eric Age 23 Field Burial |
| 22 May 44 | 134942 LAC WELLS Frank Eric 59 OBU “During the course of unloading supplies from SS Bombo unlawfully removed from the mission beach one case of beer, the property of the unit canteen.” Awarded 28 days detention. Milingimbi used by 12 Sqn as forward base |
| 24 May 44 | 83 Sqn Boomerang A46-146 piloted by P/O GUYMER ground looped on landing at Milingimbi. |
| 26 May 44 | USA steamship Henry Dodge arrives at Melville Bay & is unloaded by gang from 83 Sqn. |
| 27 May 44 | 1st Catalina landed at flying boat base Melville Bay with S/L Davies, G/Capt Knox & W/Cdr Rooney |
| 28 May 44 | 69421 LAC KS McGOWAN F/Mechanic 83 Sqn, was found guilty that on 25 & 26 May 1944 signed off on the ‘Draining of Cocks’ on the Daily Inspection Certificate for Boomerang A46-130 knowing that he failed to carry out this inspection. Forfeited 7 days pay. |
| 29 May 44 | 410281 F/Lt PUGH Nigel Russel, Age 23, 83 Sqn, Boomerang A46-159 crashed into sea & missing whilst on convoy duty Latitude 11 24 Longitude 134 32 (North-West of Milingimbi). |
| 31 May 44 | Causeway at Melville Bay completed by 8 MWS. |
| 1-8 Jun 44 | Graves Registration HQ NT Force to Gove “to carry out exhumation of service personnel for reburial at Adelaide War Cemetery. Also to lay out Temporary War Cemetery at Gove.” |
| 3 Jun 44 | 134269 LAC STARKEY Joseph Herbert (SGU Guard) Awarded 21 days FP by CO 312 Radar, “In that he when on guard duty as a roving piquet entered his tent at 2320hrs on 3 Jun 44 without reasonable excuse or permission. Automatic forfeits 21 day’s pay.” |
| 3 Jun 44 | 121016 LAC CLARKE Alfred George (SGU Guard) Awarded 4 days FP by CO 312 Radar, “In that he at approx. 0930hrs 3 Jun 44 encouraged aborigines into his tent after previous warnings by the CO. Automatically forfeits 4 day’s pay.” |
| 4 June 44 | Army personnel of 11 Line Section,1st Australian Army Signals arrive at Gove by Catalina for telephone line installation (Departed on 9 July) |
| 4 Jun 44 | 128057 LAC DALTON Ernest Mervyn 51 OBU Groote “When ordered by 80942 Cpl WOODS KT to clean out the Airman’s Mess refused to do so.” Awarded 4 days loss of pay. |
| 5 Jun 44 | 130069 LAC SPEARS William Andrew Awarded 7 days FP by CO 312 Radar, “In that he on 5 Jun 44 when detailed for fatigue duty quitted his duty without urgent necessity at approx. 1500hrs & remained absent until found in the tent at 1537hrs.” Automatically forfeits 7 day’s pay.” |
| 8 June 44 | Aircraft VH-CTV and VH-CUL departed Gove with party of Army Graves Registration Unit, with bodies of casualties from Gove area. |
| 9 Jun 44 | 70871 LAC REILLY Leslie Reginald 8 MWS “on the night of 9Jun44 stole 7 bottles of beer the property of the unit canteen. 21 days FP.” |
| 12 June 44 | Showing of 16mm film. “Battle for Britain” at Gove. |
| 12 Jun 44 | 117060 LAC THOMAS Leslie Hector 8 MWS AWOL 6-12 Jun 44. 7 days FP & loss of 13 day’s pay. |
| 15 June 44 | HMAS Sea Mist arrives at Melville Bay for ASR duty. |
| 15 June 44 | Photographic hut at Melville Bay? Destroyed by fire. |
| 17 Jun 44 | 83 Sqn Boomerang A46-125 (Pilot F/Sgt
THOMPSON) & 1 Sqn Beaufort A9-576 (Pilot F/Sgt T.A.LIPMAN) collided on
Milingimbi airstrip. F/Sgt THOMPSON & W/O McDONELL had just returned
from convoy duty and after landing decided to race each other the length
of the strip, unfortunately F/Sgt Thompson did not see the Beaufort
about to taxi onto the strip and collided with it causing major damage
to both aircraft. Awarded a severe reprimand by the CO on 20 Jun 1944. |
| 19 Jun 44 | 1 Sqn Beaufort A9-392 piloted by F/O D.H.B.FALCONER overshot runway at night at Milingimbi and while attempting to re-take-off crash landed into mangroves injuring the pilot & observer, slightly injuring 3 others. |
| 27 Jun 44 | 23390 Sgt GODBOLD Alfred Percival, Medical Orderly 8 MWS, “At Melville Bay on the night 27 Jun 44 caused a disturbance at the Station Sick Quarters.” Awarded Severe Reprimand. |
| 28 Jun 44 | 131771 LAC JONES Eric Gordon Armourer 83
Sqn Gove was awarded 7 days field punishment, for not challenging the
Guard Commander while on guard duty, knowing it was his duty to do so. 436440 LAC McLAUGHLIN George Edward Henry, Armament Assist 83 Sqn Gove, was also awarded 7 days field punishment for the same offence. |
| 30 Jun 44 | 83251 LAC McLAUGHLIN Frederick Charles 8 MWS “at Melville Bay at approx. 1330hrs struck 61456 LAC BARKER JG & was absent from 1230hrs parade at the airman’s mess, the place of parade appointed by his Flight Commander.” Awarded Forfeit of 4 day’s pay. |
| 3 July 44 | Tivoli concert held at Gove. (For those who were not required to keep a diary remember their time at Gove as being before or after the Tivoli Girls) |
| 5 Jul 44 | 232 LAA commenced their move after 6 months in the area, being replaced by A Troop 149 LAA on C47 aircraft. |
| 5 Jul 44 | 2 Boomerangs of 83 Sqn Gove airborne to investigate a suspicious track which was later established as being friendly |
| 7 Jul 44 | All bitumen sealing completed by 8 MWS. |
| 7 Jul 44 | 2 Boomerangs of 83 Sqn Gove airborne to investigate a track which was under suspicion but which was later established as being not unfriendly |
| 8 Jul 44 | 8 MWS unit photo taken. |
| 11 Jul 44 | SS John Owen arrives at Melville Bay with 42 Sqn equip & backloads with 8 MWS ( 13 Off & 402 OR’s) for their move to Melbourne |
| 12 Jul 44 | 8MWS changes name to 8 Airfield Construction Squadron |
| 15 Jul 44 | 65543 LAC LOBELEY Clarence Frederick, Guard at Melville Bay “was insufficiently alert at his post in that he failed challenge the Guard Commander 12145 F/Sgt BURLEY John Gray, when inspecting the guard at approx. 0035hrs 15Jul44. Awarded 14 days CB.” |
| 18 Jul 44 | Aerial photo of 321 Radar taken by 83 Sqn. |
| 21 Jul 44 | 79566 LAC RODGERS Douglas Francis 83 Sqn declared illegally absent from 2 Jun 1944 at Gove & struck off strength as a deserter. |
| 25 July 44 | Hudson A16-189 with G.O.C. Lt Gen. Allen and party arrived at Gove from Darwin. Members of 149 LAA sauntered out to greet it, not knowing who was in the aircraft. An irate General made them go back and do it again properly. |
| 26 Jul 44 | 67299 LAWRIE Wallace David 39 ZFC Gove, Field Court Martial held at Gove on 30 Aug charged with “Improperly in possession of one case of supplies, the property of NW Regional Officer, RAAF Canteen Services Unit and others” Awarded 28 days FP. |
| 28 July 44 | 321 Radar queried on missing fridge from 56 OBU. |
| 29 July 44 | 83 Sqn given warning order to move. |
| 30 July 44 | 16 mm films shown, “Fight for Russia” and “Unarmed Fighting”. |
| 31 July 44 | 35mm film projector installed & films screened. |
| 10 Aug 44 | 6 Bofors of A Troop 149 LAA moved from the airstrip to positions around the 42 Sqn base. 35 mm films shown, “Mission to Moresby” and ‘Next of Kin”. |
| 15-16 Aug 44 | 321 Radar dismantled & re-erected on 19 foot gantry. |
| 16 Aug 44 | 8 aircraft landed Gove bringing 80 personnel of 13 Sqn ‘A’ flight |
| 18 Aug 44 | 83 Sqn declared non-operational & departed Gove |
| 22 Aug 44 | 308,312 & 321 Radar became detachment of 39 ZFC. 44 Radar Wing ceased to function and became detachment of 39 ZFC. |
| 24 Aug 44 | 1 Sqn detachment arrives at Gove to assist 13 Sqn in convoy duties. |
| 25 Aug 44 | 9 aircraft landed Gove bringing 91 personnel of 13 Sqn ‘B’ flight. |
| 26 Aug 44 | Submarine sighted 80 mile north of Melville Bay, 30 mile west off Wessel Islands. |
| 27 Aug 44 | British mine washed up Nth West of Dundas Point (Melville Bay) and was destroyed by ? of the Marine Section- 42 Sqn. |
| 28 Aug 44 | 67272 LAC BRUHM Stephen Myers 321 Radar, “After being duly warned by 115577 Sgt RING KM to report to the Acting Warrant Officer Disciplinary at 1530hrs 28Aug neglected to do so.” Awarded 7 days FP & loss of pay. |
| 1 Sept 44 | AR.192 DA-WIYA-MEDI, DON Aboriginal from Milingimbi, buried at Adelaide River Plot L,Row B, Grave 9. (No other death details are known). |
| 5 Sep 44 | SS Montoro arrived Melville Bay,
departing with 83 Sqn on the 6th HMAS BALLARAT struck a submerged object (rock) in the vicinity of Woody (now West Woody) Island. |
| 10 Sep 44 | Detachment from 1 Sqn arrived to assist 13 Sqn, departing on the 24th |
| 13 Sep 44 | 118324 A/Sgt MARCH Laurence Gordon Armourer/Air Gunner 42 Sqn lost service revolver Smith & Wesson .38 Serial no. 827-175. At Court of Inquiry at Melville Bay 9 Oct 44 MARCH was ordered to pay for replacement of revolver & webbing. |
| 26 Sep 44 | Lt Robert M Cage U.S.N. Reserve (Mine Detail) arrives at 42 Sqn |
| 26 Sep 44 | SS Mathew Flinders arrived Melville Bay |
| 29 Sep 44 | 60203 LAC FOLLENT James Douglas 56 OBU “failed to carry out his duties as a HF/DF Operator at 1900hrs on 29 Sep 44.” Awarded 7 days FP. |
| 2 Oct 44 | A59-75 Ventura, (SF-Q) 13 Sqn, piloted by F/O SINCLAIR Ian belly landed at Gove on an operational travel flight from Higgins field. |
| 6 Oct 44 | 66807 LAC STOTT Douglas William (13 Sqn - Gove) “on being ordered by 6933 Cpl WARD RC, NCO in charge of Hut No 26 to perform certain duties as a Hut Orderly in Hut No 26 used obscene language (you can get ---- or words to that effect) to the said Corporal”. Awarded 7 days FP. |
| 7 Oct 44 | 22860 Sgt SANDS Frederick Charles (13 Sqn) & 145524 LAC BURNS Albert Benjamin (13 Sqn) sustained burn injuries at 56 OBU when a jar of sulphuric acid broke. |
| 12 Oct 44 | Glassing of control tower completed |
| 13 Oct 44 | Mosquito aircraft arrived from Batchelor with W/C Gove |
| 14 Oct 44 | Catalina A24-90 (42 Sqn-Melville Bay)
operating from Darwin was shot down over Lovely (Makassar). There were 3
survivors of the crash Vetter, Ryan & Brown who were interred as POW's
in Batavia and beheaded in Feb. 1945.
16322 F/Lt WILLIAMS Charles Alfred Age 31
|
| 15 Oct 44 | 152047 LAC KRETSCHMER Murray Victor 42 Sqn - Melville Bay - “Suffered gun-shot wound to arm & left hand received whilst cleaning service rifle. Seriously injured & evacuated to 1 MRS Darwin” |
| 18 Oct 44 | HF/DF commenced operational duties Gove |
| 19 Oct 44 | 13 Sqn Ventura A59-83 piloted by F/O T J BRANIGAN crashed into the sea after the failure of both engines at 10 Deg 25’ & 142 Deg 12’, crew uninjured and rescued by a crash launch. F/O Branigan was enroute from Gove to Higgins Field to carry out a patrol the following day. |
| 30 Oct 44 | SS Mangola arrived at Melville Bay with stores & equipment & balance of 13 Sqn personnel (1 Off & 90 OR’s) |
| 1 Nov 44 | Chaplain RUNDLE John Charles, died as a result of a motor transport accident at Gove. While reversing his jeep he backed into a tree, a dead branch fell off killing the Chaplain. |
| 6 Nov 44 | 146176 LAC ALLEN Arthur Douglas Robert 42 Sqn Melville Bay AWOL 24hrs. Awarded 3 days CB & forfeits 1 day’s pay. |
| 17 Nov 44 | 13 Sqn carried out their first bombing raid from Gove. |
| 27 Nov 44 | 13 Sqn moved from 56 OBU to bomber camp |
| 27 Nov 44 | A report of a crashed aircraft was received at Melville Bay by the ‘Alma Doepel’ AK-82 (No other details are known) |
| 4 Dec 44 | Field General Court Martial was held at Gove (2 Feb 45) to charge 136856 ACI HEREWARD Richard Basil John, fabric workers assistant of 13 Sqn, with “Disobeying a lawful Command” & “Conduct to the prejudice of good order & air force discipline” that on 4 Dec1944 when ordered by Sgt JB Fogarty to move a small table in the parachute section, did not do so. Found guilty on the second charge & ordered to undergo 28 days Field Punishment & forfeiture of pay for 28 days. |
| 5 Dec 44 | 30087 LAC FRENCH John Henry, 42 Sqn Melville Bay, “on 5 Dec 44 included in a green envelope matter other than that of a private & family nature contrary to ABO A 340/43. Automatic forfeits 7 day’s pay” & awarded 7 Day’s FP. |
| 6 Dec 44 | Lancaster PD328, coded M3, over-nighted at Gove. This Lancaster was from the Empire Air Navigation School RAF on a world tour demonstrating & lecturing on its navigation equipment. |
| 12 Dec 44 | Accident at Gove between 2 vehicles driven by 61424 Cpl RICHARDSON Douglas Bruce & 147495 LAC McCARTHY Raymond Henry (both from 42 Sqn). Severe injuries sustained by Cpl Richardson, admitted to SSQ where his right arm was amputated above the elbow. |
| 15 Dec 44 | 142677 LAC THOMAS Frank Moreton 13 Sqn Gove, “he at approx 1500hrs after being warned he would be on night duty by SGT PEACHEY. Said I won’t do it or words to that effect” Awarded 14 days CB |
| 22 Dec 44 | SS Montoro departed with A Troop 149 LAA leaving some equipment behind, apparently ‘as usual’. 149 LAA was given the cease fire order at 0800 hrs and departed on the Montoro at 1600 hrs. |
| 26 Dec 44 | Fire at the pump station (Coles Hole) 1 airman severely burnt, 45734 LAC Ronald Wilfred McKENNA. Also injured was 40796 Sgt Colin Finlay ROBERTSON, both of 56 OBU. LAC McKENNA evacuated to 1 MRS same day. |
| 4 Jan 45 | 56 OBU post office opened |
| 10 Jan 45 | US submarine ‘Nautilus’ sighted a periscope 75 miles NE of Wessel Island |
| 13 Jan 45 | 13 Sqn airport duty truck reported to have travelled 150 miles on a non-flying day. |
| 14 Jan 45 | 406849 F/Lt HARRIGAN Ronald Joseph & crew force landed in A24-96 south of Soemba Island enroute to target. Crew rescued by F/Lt ORTLEPP of 42 Sqn. A24-96 was destroyed |
| 16 Jan 45 | 308 & 312 Radar closed. |
| 20 Jan 45 | 54558 LAC DAFF William 56 OBU “At approx 0010hrs partook of intoxicating liquor in the light of a lantern after Lights Out” Awarded 4 days FP. |
| 21 Jan 45 | 39 ZFC closed. 321 Radar to send plots to 105 FCU. |
| 23 Jan 45 | 116312 LAC LOGUE Lloyd 59 OBU whilst refueling a petrol generator suffered severe & extensive burns in a petrol explosion. Evacuated by air to 1 Medical Receiving Station dying on 26 Jan 45. Buried at Adelaide War Cemetery on the 27th. |
| 24 Jan 45 | 63077 LAC THORNTON G M Fitter 11A shot through left hand by service rifle at 42 Sqn. “Presumed sustained whilst cleaning .303 rifle”. Admitted to 56 OBU SSQ. “Forfeits 1/3 pay & allowances… whilst absent from duty due to injury through negligence” |
| 27 Jan 45 | Ventura A59-56 aircraft (13 Sqn) crashed into the sea North of Bremer Island (12° 05’ 136° 55’) while on a gunnery exercise. 427599 F.O CLARKSON, Peter Wilberforce Age 21 died of injuries sustained in the crash. 406770 Flt Lt CALDER, Edward Louis; 423425 W/O PEACOCK Eric Clyde; and 210069 F/Sgt AMES Lloyd Haig, perished in the crash and their bodies were never recovered. 417991 W.O CATHRO Gordon F, Air Gunner suffering from shock and exposure survived the accident as did 420396 W.O. MURDOCH G.R. The air search continued by launch and on 3 February, 1945 all land sea and air searches for additional survivors concluded. Milingimbi used by 12 Sqn as forward base |
| 27 Jan 45 | Ventura A59-84 (13 Sqn) Having travelled
from Gove to Gould the aircraft took off for Truscott for an Op. The
aircraft returned some 20 mins later and asked permission to land, this
was given and shortly afterwards the aircraft struck the round,
disintegrating and burning on impact. All crew were killed.
22465 F/Lt ANDERSON George Alexander Age
26 |
| 28 Jan 45 | Mangola arrived at Melville Bay with 9000 drums of fuel, 500 cases of beer and about 1000 packages of general cargo. |
| 28 Jan 45 | 39117 Sgt WARD KA 42 Sqn at Darwin “despatched a letter to his wife from RAAF Stn Darwin knowing that the same had not been censored” Awarded severe reprimand. |
| 29 Jan 45 | 13778 LAC SQUIRE Harold Oliver 56 OBU, “At approx. 1030hrs when instructed by 16933 F/Sgt OLSEN JA, to light the fires at the temporary cook house failed to do so.” Awarded 7 days FP. |
| 30 Jan 45 | Message from HQ NWA to 13 Sqn - “A50 for Dec shows 27 days of the month as NIL. Surely not a serious attempt to cover the month’s work, considering 703 hours were flown.” |
| 31 Jan 45 | While unloading Mangola, barge 018-2 capsized and dumped 2 trucks in 25 feet of water and were later recovered. |
| 31 Jan 45 | “Accident involving RAAF barge 018-2 & vehicles 205695 & 205705 which occurred on 31 Jan 45 Melville Bay whilst barge was being used to convey loaded trucks from the anchorage. As a result of same, equipment on charge to following airmen was lost. 77534 Sgt OTTOSEN CM, 80555 Cpl MOUTON H, 141627 LAC PLUCK L & 126999 LAC DIECKMANN JH.” |
| 1 Feb 45 | F/O Davidson (No 8 Mobile Entertainment Party) and ‘Squadronaires’ arrived, giving concert at picture site on the 3rd and at 42 Sqn on the 5th departing on the 8th. |
| 11 Feb 45 | Fire in a 13 Sqn tent occupied by 3 Officers destroying tent & pers/service kit. |
| 15 Feb 45 | 426406 F/O WEGNER John Alan, navigator on Ventura A59-85 piloted by F/Lt Thomas Joseph BRANIGAN 13Sqn, was struck by a fragment of a white tracer that exploded on impact on the storm window whilst over Safe Bay, Soembawa Island on an armed recce mission requiring 5 stitches on return to Truscott base. |
| 15 Feb 45 | 56 OBU Unit photo taken by 13 Sqn. |
| 22 Feb 45 | 145800 LAC TRUSWELL Edward Jack 56 OBU “Being in improper possession of Public Property, namely 1 Battle Jacket & 1 Torch Electric.” Awarded 7 days FP & confiscation of articles. |
| 2 Mar 45 | 33815 Sgt HOPKINS Herbert Edward 42 Sqn at Darwin, “neglected to take due precaution when unloading .5 starboard gun on Catalina A24-85 causing damage to aircraft. Awarded severe reprimand” |
| 3 Mar 45 | HMAS Steady Hour destroyed by fire while refueling at Melville Bay jetty, 2 personnel (Sub Lt John Allison Sykes-CO and Leading Seaman William Robert Piper SP87) were severely burnt and evacuated to Darwin by Catalina. Piper was blown into the water after the explosion and rescued by the telegraphist from the ‘Sea Mist’ Percy Allan Shirley B4611. |
| 4 Mar 45 | 137149 QUIGLEY Patrick Bannister 13 Sqn Gove, “was wearing his shirt outside his shorts & in an un-buttoned condition, contrary to Daily Routine Order No 49”Awarded 7 days CB. |
| 7 Mar 45 | Lights thought to be signaling were seen on the N-W side of Melville Bay. On investigation it was found to be aborigines roasting a wallaby. |
| 17 Mar 45 | Mr J W Falls of the AWC was arrested and sent to Darwin for illegal use of RAAF transport. |
| 18 Mar 45 | 400218 F/Lt BROCKHOUSE Enoch Harry of 1 Aircraft Depot in Beaufort A9-501 while delivering the aircraft to NWA, ran off the strip at Gove, the aircraft was subsequently written off. |
| 20 Mar 45 | 123141 LAC ENSBEY Noel Alexander & 124850 LAC GOODWIN Henry Joseph 13 Sqn at Truscott “failed to secure head of CO2 bottle, thereby causing Ventura A59-56 to return from an operation before having completed its duty” Each awarded 7 days CB. (This was A56-65) Milingimbi used by 12 Sqn as forward base |
| 22 Mar 45 | 144737 LAC HUGHES David Keith of 56 OBU, Gove, was killed as a result of the accidental discharge of a Thompson machine gun. He was alone on duty at the HF/DF Station at the time and there were no witnesses to the incident. 13 Sqn Ventura A59-60 piloted by F/O R.Heins blew a tyre while practicing take offs & landings, upon landing the aircraft ground looped and ended up next to Beaufort A9-501. |
| 27 Mar 45 | 33858 CPL BARTLETT Donald Keith 42 Sqn “did make a false statement to his Commanding Officer, regarding the water supply at the Flying Boat Base. Reprimanded.” |
| 30 Mar 45 | Beaufort carrying out calibration duties with 321 Radar until the 7th April. |
| 4 Apr 45 | Aircraft seen trailing smoke at 12° 05’ 136° 32’. |
| 10 Apr 45 | 33858 CPL BARTLETT Donald Keith 42 Sqn Melville Bay stole a postal note for the payment of 10 shillings, the property of 34870 Sgt MAGIN NIH. Reduced to ranks & to undergo 60 days detention. |
| 12 Apr 45 | SS Mangola arrives at Melville Bay. |
| 15 Apr 45 | American troops staged through Gove and included an Army nurse which created a sensation as she was the first white woman personnel had seen for many months. |
| 15 Apr 45 | 33858 CPL BARTLETT Donald Keith Fitter/Armourer sustained serious injury to left foot at 42 Sqn. Struck with axe whilst chopping wood at Melville Bay. Admitted 56 OBU SSQ. |
| 17 Apr 45 | US Simon Newcombe arrived to load American Mine Detail for transport to Darwin. |
| 30 Apr 45 | Army survey vessel AK 121 arrived at Melville Bay for cleaning of hull and refueling. |
| 30 Apr 45 | 37020 Cpl HOLLINGSWORTH Roy Charles Gordon, 42 Sqn, authorized to draw amount expended in the purchase of matches to burn rubbish. 8/9d. |
| 4 May 45 | 136096 Ac1 TALBOT Bruce Maxwell (13 Sqn Gove) “appeared on duty unshaven” Awarded 7 days CB. |
| 11 May 45 | 138883 LAC WILCOX Ernest John, 42 Sqn, Awarded 28 days FP “was improperly in possession of - 6 photos belonging to 135067 LAC VERNON John Geoffrey - 1 hand vice property of RAAF & Cap& service dress Officers, pair of flying boots, property of RAAF. Automatically forfeits 28 day’s pay”. |
| 13 May 45 | 83707 LAC JOHNS Keith Edward, Cook, 42 Sqn, on attachment to 5 PD Subiaco WA, was AWOL from 13 May to 14 June 45 surrendering to Service Police at Perth. Punishment award unknown |
| 15 May 45 | 13 Sqn begin their departure. |
| 15 May 45 | 128652 A/Cpl HETHERINGTON Francis George of 56 OBU was charged “In that he on the 15 May 45 negligently drove an Air Force Vehicle No 205735 into aircraft C47 VH-CIZ, causing damage to the said aircraft to the extent of £40”. Awarded a deduction of £2 from active pay after election of trial 28 May 45. |
| 19 May 45 | 308 Radar moved to Cape Pasir area (Tarakan). |
| 24 May 45 | SS Bombo arrives at Melville Bay. |
| 24 May 45 | SS Yalata arrives at Melville Bay. |
| 6 Jun 45 | At 1045hrs Ventura A59-53, piloted by 409319 F/O OSBORNE Jeffrey ground looped at Gove due to defective braking system. The aircraft skidded into the trees with no injuries. |
| 7 Jun 45 | ‘USS William Seaward’ departed with 13 Sqn (144 men and 4 Officers) |
| 22 Jun 45 | 13 Sqn Ventura showing IFF 50 miles out to sea, guided in by 321 Radar. |
| 24 Jun 45 | 13 Sqn Ventura A59-79 piloted by 406524 F/Lt Ronald Pritchard FARRIS crashed back onto the strip while taking off with a full load of fuel & bombs at Gove when the undercarriage retracted damaging the belly of the aircraft and sheering 1 inch off the port airscrew which had dug into the strip. The aircraft “successfully completed the take-off on the bomb bays”. The aircraft was successfully landed with nil injuries to crew although F/Lt Farris attained the nickname of ‘Farmer Farris’ after trying to plough the strip. The C/O’s report for the month indicated that “the 33 airscrew cuts in the strip have been repaired”. |
| 24 Jun 45 | 51 OBU became 56 OBU Groote Detachment. |
| Jun 45 | !3 Sqn carried out convoy cover for the famous floating dock. As this convoy passed Thursday Island, a ‘world record tow’ was broken.’ |
| 9 July 45 | SS Mangola arrived and departed with 8655 empty drums 14 Jul. |
| 26 Jul 45 | B-25 arrived from Darwin with 2 Sqn for cricket match with 13 Sqn. |
| 5 Aug 45 | Army ketch AK 127 arrived at Melville Bay for the exhumation of graves at Gove and Groote war cemeteries. |
| 8 Aug 45 | 12121 F/Sgt MAYO John Donaldson was testing an electric fuel transfer pump in Ventura A59-73 (13 Sqn) at Gove when the petrol ignited. Mayo extinguished the fire saving the aircraft but sustained severe burns to himself and was medivaced to Darwin. He received a 'Mention in Dispatches' for his action. The aircraft was subsequently written off and converted to components. |
| 10 Aug 45 | 141766 LAC HAYDON Ross Thomas 56 OBU, “Being found in Bulk Beer Store without a pass or written authority from his C.O.” Awarded 3 days FP. |
| 15 Aug 45 | F/O Harry Dearth, of the Lux Radio Theatre of the Air, concert party arrived & staged a concert at the airstrip camp and at 42 Sqn on the 16th. Official announcement of peace by Australian Prime Minister. |
| 17 Aug 45 | Army ketch AK 127 departed Melville Bay for Milingimbi for the exhumation of graves. ‘Stand-down’ for celebration of cessation of hostilities. |
| 23 Aug 45 | District Court Martial of 33858 Cpl BARTLETT Donald Keith, Fitter Armourer of 42 Sqn. Charged with stealing a postal note for the payment of 10 shillings being the property of 34870 Cpl MAGIN Norman Issac Hadfield, Instrument Maker of 42 Sqn. Cpl Bartlett was found guilty, reduced to ranks and awarded 60 days detention. |
| 4 Sep 45 | Concert (4 members ex NWA HQ) held at YMCA by RAAF Educational Musical Appreciation Concert Party. Concerts at 42 Sqn on 5-6th Sept. |
| 7 Sep 45 | F/O Richards & party ex No 14 ARD arrived to dismantle Ventura A59-73 for components. |
| 19 Sep 45 | SS Mangola arrived at Melville Bay and unloaded by Lt Ebsworth & Lt Irving with 21 others from 5 DOC & F/O Murray-Wilson & 40 others from 8 TMO. |
| 21 Sep 45 | F/Lt Carroll (8 CRD) arrived to convert Ventura A59-73, engines & vehicles in the area to components. |
| 28 Sep 45 | Entertainment at YMCA by 20 personnel of ‘Tasmaniacs’ concert party. |
| 2 Oct 45 | 139409 LAC PERRY Harold Augustus 56 OBU “Neglect to obey a general order in that he, having been rostered for guard duty from 0200hrs on 2 Oct 45 & having been notified thereof, neglected to perform such duty.” Awarded loss of 3 day’s pay. |
| 13 Oct 45 | Catalina A24-365 of 42 Sqn, on a mission
from Melville Bay to Manila for the purpose of transporting returning
prisoners of war crashed into the sea at approx. 07° 57’ 126° 53’ ,
apparently after stalling. 3 of the flight crew were lost with the
aircraft:-
410949 F/Lt CARTER Ronald Ross Age 25 |
| 15 Oct 45 | 321 Radar ceased operation at 1200hrs local time. |
| 30 Oct 45 | SS Ulooloo arrives at Melville Bay with fuel, rations & much needed canteen stocks. (Departed on 31st) |
| 30 Nov 45 | Melville Bay base disbanded. |
| 4 Dec 45 | Groote Eylandt base handed over to Civil Aviation Dept & all RAAF personnel evacuated on the 5th |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I'd like to thank Phil Herdman for his assistance with this web page. Please contact Phil if you can assist with more information.
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This page first produced 24 August 2024
This page last updated 27 August 2024
