Headquarters No. 61 Works Wing RAAF was formed on 7 January 1943 at Camp Pell, Royal Park, Melbourne, Victoria to Establishment M 109 date 30 Dec 1942. The Establishment provided for 10 Officers and 70 Other Ranks. Wing Commander Daniel John Rooney (250317) was the Commanding Officer.

On formation, the Headquarters No. 6 Works Wing administered the following units:-

No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron
No. 3 Mobile Works Squadron
No. 8 Mobile Works Squadron
No. 9 Works Maintenance Unit
No. 11 Works Supply Unit
12 Survey & Design Unit

On 8 January 1943, the Commanding Officer visited RAAF Headquarters in Melbourne for a conference with Director and Deputy Director of Works and Buildings.

As construction equipment for Nos. 3 and 8 Mobile Works Squadrons would not be available before the end of March 1943, it was proposed that No. 3 Mobile Works Squadron would continue to carry out the functions of a Works Maintenance Unit and a Works Supply Unit.

No. 8 Mobile Works Squadron and No. 11 Works Supply Unit had commenced to form at Gawler, South Australia by 8 January 1943.

No. 12 Survey & Design Unit would consist of No. 5 Divisional Works Office plus a small number of additional personnel.

Portions of 61 Works Wing remained in Melbourne to assist in the formation of the other units.

No. 9 Works Maintenance Unit was formed at Royal Park, in Melbourne but it was proposed that he Unit would undergo special training in conjunction with the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy and that it would not be attached to 61 Works Wing for at least 6 months.

On 20 January 1943, the Commanding Officer left Melbourne by air for North Western Area Headquarters.

The CO of 61 Works Wing arrived at NWA HQs at Coomalie on 22 January 1943 and met with the Air Officer Commanding NWA regarding the function of 61 Works Wing.

On 23 January 1943, the CO interviewed the Chief Engineer of Norforce with regard to the distribution of plant belonging to No. 1 Mechanical Equipment Company.

On 25 January 1943, the advanced party under Flying Officer David William Taylor (274308) and 13 Other Ranks departed Royal Park by convoy for NWA.

On 26 January 1943 at Katherine, the CO conferred with Mr. Loder, the Chairman of Bitumen Supply Committee, and with Mr. Jones, of the Country Roads Board and Mr James, Department of Main Roads, as to the bitumen requirements for aerodrome sealing.

A conference of Wing Unit Commanding Officers was held at Coomalie on 28 January 1943 to discuss general matters.

Strength of 61 Works Wing on 31 January 1943 was:-

Officers 7
Airmen 52

“Phoenix” exercises were carried out at Coomalie on 3 February 1943 as follows. 3 Mobile Works Squadron was loaded at Coomalie and moved to Berrima Road Junction. No. 2 Engineering Construction Section, No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron loaded all plant with the exception of an excavator, 2 rippers, an unserviceable drawn grader, an unserviceable tip truck and two sheepsfoot rollers, and they loaded all tents, barracks gear and all necessary personal equipment in 2 ½ hours. Transport used for the move was 16 tip trucks, 2 heavy utilities, 1 low loader, 4 semi-trailers, 1 flat top, four 4 wheel trailers, and 1 light tender. The exercise was considered satisfactory.

On 7 February 1943, arrangements were made for an Advance Party of No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron personnel to leave for No. 307 RDF Station and the main party for the job comprising personnel from No. 3 Mobile Works Squadron were to leave approximately one week later.

On 7 February 1943, arrangements were completed for 452 Squadron job at Strauss Airfield. The building material for the job was to be made available from No. 3 Mobile Works Squadron and the work was to be carried by No. 452 Squadron under supervision of No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron.

On 8 February 1943, the C.O. inspected the location of the new taxi-way at Coomalie with Pilot Officer John Tyler (286525) of No. 12 Survey and Design Unit. On the same day, an Advance Party for No. 307 RDF Station left by air.

On 8 February 1943, with the exception of the rearguard, the remainder of the Unit left Camp Pell for North Western Area. They were F/Lt W.J. Blake and P/O B. Martin and 26 Other Ranks.

The C.O. departed from Coomalie by air on 9 February 1943, with Air Officer Commanding NWA, Brigadier General Sutherland and Wing Commander Ian Colin Campbell Thomson (250098) of No. 24 Base Wing to inspect Drysdale. The party inspected Newry Emergency Landing Ground and the new airfield at Argyle. The runway at Argyle was about 80% completed and should be serviceable in all but wet weather. Approximately 1,000 feet of taxiway was constructed from either end. Some hard standings were complete, and timber cover was practically negligible. The 3 runway airfield at Wyndham was completed as per the plan and several hardstandings were completed. There was absolutely no cover at the site. A considerable amount of excavation was required at Drysdale and undesirable filling over sandstone rock outcrop was necessary. A new line was selected on a bearing of 121 1/2 degrees from the 2,700 feet peg which would reduce excavation and the width of the sandstone outcrop to be dealt with. No. 3 Mobile Works Squadron was the be instructed to proceed with the survey of this new line. An alternative site near the new mission was not inspected.

On 13 February 1943, the Commanding Officer inspected work at Sattler with the CO of No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron.

On 14 February 1943, the CO and the Principal Medical Officer, North Western Area inspected the Convalescent Depot sites at Katherine and Edith River.

On 15 February 1943, The CO interviewed the Chief Engineer Norforce, Colonel Alfred Edward Toyer (NX76562), who advised arrangements were in hand for portion of the Department of Main Roads forces to be diverted to Aerodrome works with construction commencing about the end of March 1943. AD8 and TD14 Tractors ex No. 1 Mechanical Equipment Company was to be handed over to No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron.

On 15 February 1943, Wing Equipment Officers met at Camp Pell to determine inter-unit relationships and priorities. The following Officers were present:-

S/Ld D. Maunder – Works Training Unit
F/Lt Horace Victor Jeavons (O3236) – Admin. Officer, Headquarters, No. 61 Works Wing
F/Lt Harold Victor Davies (295719) – No. 8 Mobile Works Squadron
F/Lt Kingsley Edward Scott Bethell (252048) – No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron
F/O Philip Henry Napoleon Opas (255040) – Adjutant, Headquarters, No. 61 Works Wing
F/O E. Green – No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron
F/O G. Price – No. 11 Works Supply Unit
P/O Denzil Basil Waters (9081) – No. 9 Works Maintenance Unit
P/O K.C. Fitzgerald – No. 8 Mobile Works Squadron
P/O D. Atkins – No. 11 Works Supply Unit

On 16 February 1943, the CO met with the Chief Engineer Norforce, Colonel Toyer, and Mr. James of the Department of Main Roads. The details of financial authority for aerodrome work already carried out by the Department of Main Roads was made available so that payment could be claimed from the Department of Interior.

On 16 February 1943, notice was given to vacate Camp Pell by the Camp Commandant. In company with the Curator, Parks and Garden Committee, of the Melbourne City Council an inspection as made of possible camp sites and Ryder Park at Brunswick was selected. The Rear Guard of 61 Works Wing relocated to Ryder Park on the same day.

The proposal for the Department of Main Roads to construct aerodromes was discussed at 61 Works Wing at Coomalie and provided sufficient labour could be made available, work could be commenced on one strip towards the end of March 1943. The prospect of obtaining some labour from Public Works Department and some service labour from Units forming in the south was investigated to expedite the commencement of aerodrome construction.

On 20 February 1943, the CO and Flight Lieutenant William John Blake (261133) inspected Fenton Airfield and Pine Creek Base Workshop.

On 21 February 1943, the CO inspected Sattler and visited No. 3 Mobile Works Squadron at Winnellie to discuss shipment of building materials.

On 23 February 1943, Flying Officer Overend of No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron left for Winnellie to organise the unloading of “S.S. Wanaka”.

On 24 February 1943, the CO met with the Air Officer Commanding North Western Area and Air Vice Marshal Bostock to discuss proposals for improving the airfield at Millingimbi.

Heavy maintenance was required on the roads leading to camps for No 31 Squadron, No. 224 Radio Station, North Western Area, Nos 4 and 7 Repair and Salvage Units after heavy rain on 25 February 1943.

On 25 February 1943, two low loaders for No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron, two utilities for No. 12 Survey and Design Unit and two utilities for Headquarters, No. 61 Works Wing were despatched by convoy for Coomalie in the Northern Territory.

On 26 February 1943, the CO met with the Chief Engineer Norforce, Colonel Toyer, and Mr. Haslam, the Works Director, Norther Territory with regard to the switching of Public Works Department labour from Batchelor and Fenton.

On 26 February 1943, W/Cdr Green, Senior Dental Officer of No. 1 Training Group visited the Camp at Ryder Park, in Brunswick to inspect dental cards and enquire into dental arrangements. He expressed satisfaction with the present arrangements and personnel would continue to receive dental treatment at No. 1 School of Technical Training.

On 27 February 1943, the CO visited the site of a proposed new airfield near Batchelor to be called Gould. 61 Works Wing was not yet fully functional as No. 8 Mobile Works Squadron and No. 11 Works Supply Unit were not yet up to strength, or fully equipped and were not yet operation within North Western Area. The Rea Echelon of 61 Works Wing was still located in Melbourne.

On 27 February 1943, A conference of all available Officers of 61 Works Wing at Ryder Park at Brunswick discussed the desirability of moving to a new camp site at Caulfield Racecourse. It was decided to move as the ample storage facilities outweighed all other considerations. Arrangements of the move were completed through RAAF Hirings and the Avance Party comprising P/O Denzil Basil Waters (9081) and F/O B. Upton, both of 9 Works Maintenance Unit and seven Airmen relocated to the Racecourse.

The work of obtaining equipment was continued during February 1943 at Camp Pell in Royal Park, Melbourne. Physical training and organised sport such as football, cricket and soft ball, to ensure all personnel were fit for service in North Western Area continue during February 1943.

On 2 March 1943, the CO left Batchelor for Millingimbi by air via Oenpelli. He inspected the coastline between Millingimbi and Cape Arnhem from the air. He also carried out an aerial inspection of a new airfield at Elcho Island.

The movement of Rear Echelon from Ryder Park to Caulfield Racecourse was completed on 2 March 1943.

The CO carried out a detailed inspection of Millingimbi on 3 March 1943 and advanced operational base facilities. He discussed improvements with Reverend Arthur F. Ellemor, the Officer in Charge of the Methodist Mission. The CO inspected the Goulburn Island Airfield from the air and returned by air to Batchelor.

On 4 March 1943, there was a serious failure of the taxiways at Coomalie near the junction of the strip. Arrangements were made for 20 men to be transferred from No. 2 Flight, Engineering Construction Section, No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron to assist in carrying out the repairs. A total of 50 men were then engaged on the Squadron access road, taxiways and drainage at Coomalie Airfield.

The distribution of building materials from “SS Wanaka” was decided at a conference of Commanding Officers of Wing Units at Coomalie on 5 March 1943.

On 7 March 1943, the CO, the Senior Administrative Officer and the Senior Equipment Officer visited Pint Creek to inspect the building material dump.

On 8 March 1943, the CO visited Army Rear Headquarters with Wing Commander Bill and discussed property problems with Major Hunter and Captain Crang. Brigadier General Bierwirth requested that 61 Works Wing provide additional accommodation at Fenton Airfield.

On 9 March 1943, the CO interviewed the Chief Engineer Norforce, Colonel Toyer, and Colonel Brewer with regard beaching equipment for Millingimbi and Drysdale. The Australian Army was able to make available one pontoon, capacity 5 tons and three bays of beaching gear which should be sufficient for landing motor transport and light tractors, provided the Royal Australian navy can handle the equipment from ship to pontoon.

On 10 March 1943, the CO left Batchelor for inspection of Bathurst Island Mission airfield where he contacted Father McGrath, the Missionary in Charge, and arranged for bomb craters to be filled in by native labour. The CO returned to Batchelor on 11 March 1943.

On 12 March 1943, the CO of 2 Base Personnel Staff Office 2 BPSO, Squadron Leader Clarence Cole Degenhardt (260997), called to discuss inter-unit postings and attachments and satisfactory arrangements were made.

On 13 March 1943, the CO travelled to Darwin with Wing Commander Bill to discuss with the Navy Control Supply Officer, Lt. Goller, the possibility of shipping motor transport and plant to coastal and island jobs. The CO also interviewed the RAAF Movement Officer, Darwin, Flying Officer Thompson, and discussed the projected movements of men and materials to Millingimbi and Bathurst Island. He also contacted F/O Belcher of the Operational Base, Darwin, who was in charge of the Marine Section, and discussed Flying Boat servicing facilities.

Tow airmen and two utilities and one general service tender left Caulfield on 14 March 1943 and boarded a train for North Western Area.

On 14 March 1943, the CO and Squadron Leader D. Thompson of auxiliary keych “Aoretta” visited North Western Area, Headquarters and conferred with Air Officer Commanding. The CO arranged for a land reconnaissance of the Arnhem Land coastline for an airfield and received instructions to arrange for an advance party for Millingimbi to be ready to depart from Darwin on 16 March 1943. A conference was held with Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader Maw, and Officers from 1 Mobile Works Squadron to arrange collection of personnel, equipment and plant, for work at Millingimbi.

On 15 March 1943, the CO departed for Gorrie with S/Ldr Frederick Arthur Lister Maw (252098) and W/Cdr Bill (this was probably W/Cdr Mervyn Ellis Bill – 250934).

On 16 March 1943, an inspection was carried out of Gorrie Airfield, No. 14 Aircraft Repair Depot workshops and camp and No. 9 Stores Depot. Work was progressing well on strip, taxiways 60% gravelled, strip 30% finished. An advance party under Sgt Land left per “SS Babinda” for Millingimbi.

On 16 March 1943, the Adjutant, F/O Philip Henry Napoleon Opas (255040) left Caulfield by train for North Western Area which completed the move of all Headquarters personnel from Caulfield to Coomalie.

On 18 March 1943, S/Ldr Thomson, of auxiliary ketch “Aorette”, P/Os Butcher and Graham of No. 12 Survey & Design Unit, left by air for Millingimbi to carry out a reconnaissance of Arnhem Land coast for an airfield.

On 21 March 1943, the CO inspected Sattler Airfield. Gravelling of both circular taxiways was complete. Gravelling has commenced on the inter-connecting taxiway. The strip was 30% gravelled and drainage work was practically completed.

On 23 March 1943, the CO and Messrs Hawkins and Stewart of the Department of Main Roads inspected Fraser Airfield.

On 23 March 1943, F/O Philip Henry Napoleon Opas (255040) arrived by air at Coomalie and took up duties as the Adjutant.

On 24 March 1943, the CO discussed Batchelor Water supply crater scheme with Mr. Patterson of the Public Works Department and F/Lt John Yeaman of No. 12 Survey & Design Unit (266324). They also discussed the supply of aggregate for sealing at Darwin, Sattler and Riding, and the possibility of obtaining their requirements from the Public Works Department quarry at 17 Mile. They also inspected Marine Section, Doctor’s Gully, and other possible sites on the foreshore around Darwin. There was the possibility of developing a Flying Boat slipway adjacent to Doctor’s Gully Marine Section.

On 25 March 1943, the CI inspected Gould Airfield. The clearing was 80% complete. They also inspected the camp site for No. 1 Repair and Salvage Unit at Gould.

On 26 March 1943, the CO attended a conference with the Air Officer Commanding, the Senior Air Staff Officer and Staff Officer Administrative, North Western Area, with regard to Millingimbi.

On 27 March 1943, the CO and Adjutant visited No. 1 Mobile Works Squadron plant and maintenance section and store at Willing and the Defence Training School at McDonald. They also visited Pine Creek and inspected the camp site of No. 11 Works Supply Unit. The present site was unsuitable and another site was selected approximately ¾ mile south of the town. Plans for the layout were commenced immediately and the Unit was due to move to the new site in 2 or 3 days. Two airmen arrived by train at Adelaide River with two utilities and one general service tender, thus completing the relocation of all personnel and equipment from the Rear Echelon at Caulfield into this area.

On 29 March 1943, the CO held a telephone conversation with S/Ldr D. Maunder, Commanding Officer Works Training Unit, and discussed the shipment of mesh and mat for Millingimbi Airfield and various plant matters.

On 30 March 1943, the CO interviewed the Chief Engineer Army Rear and arranged for the supply of aggregate from the Public Works Department quarry. The CO interviewed the Army Hirings Officer regarding the Pine Creek camp site for No. 11 Works Supply Unit and arranged for an inspection of the site with the Hirings Officer. He also discussed with Lieutenant Colonel Scott, the deviation of the telegraph line at Gould.

On 31 March 1943, the CO and the Army Hirings Officer inspected Pine Creek camp site and finalised arrangements for its occupancy by No. 11 Works Supply Unit. The CO attended the pass-out parade of the Defence Corse at McDonald. During March 1943, 61 Works Wing made considerable progress towards becoming fully operative within the area. The Rear Echelon of 61 Works Wing Headquarters had now moved into North Western Area Headquarters, as had No. 11 Works Supply Unit, leaving only No. 8 Mobile Works Squadron and No. 9 Works Maintenance Unit now outside the 61 Works Unit area. No. 8 Mobile Works Squadron was due to commence operations within the Wing area towards the end of April 1943, although No. 9 Works Maintenance Unit will not move into the Wing area until the completion of Army Training, probably not before September 1943.

On 1 April 1943, the Commanding Officer, W/Cdr D.J. Rooney departed by air with AOC NWA to inspect Gorrie and No. 14 Aircraft Repair Depot Workshop Area.

On 2 April 1943, the CO and the AOC inspected No. 14 A.R.D. Camp area amd No. 9 Stores Depot, and they returned to Coomalie by air.

On 6 April 1943, F/O B. Martin, Equipment Officer, and 12 men established a camp at 9 Miles to act as a forward dump for equipment arriving by sea.

On 7 April 1943, the Adjutant visited No. 2 BPSO and finalised arrangements that inter-works-unit postings and attachments would be made on request from Headquarters 61 Works Wing.

On 8 April 1943, the AOC and CO inspected Gould Airfield and the Torpedo Maintenance Unit Camp site.

The Squadron camp site at Sattler was completed on 9 April 1943.

On 10 April 1943, the Senior Equipment Officer, F/Lt Blake, visited No. 9 S.D. and conferred with CO as to the respective responsibilities. Works supplies for the Area were to be controlled by Headquarters 61 Works Wing through No. 11 Works Supply Unit, and other equipment was to be controlled and issued by No. 9 Stores Depot.

On 12 April 1943, the S.A.O., F/Lt Jeavons, visited No. 11 Works Supply Unit at Pine Creek to discuss administrative matters with the CO. The CO inspected buildings at No. 1 R.S.U. Manbullo and arranged for new camp facilities to be provided for that unit at Gould.

On 13 April 1943, the COM visited No. 18 Squadron NEI-AF Camp at MacDonald and conferred with CO of No. 18 Squadron as to the move of the Squadron to Batchelor and discussed additional aircraft accommodation required.

The CO inspected MacDonald Airfield. Sealing was almost completed. The sealing of roads adjacent to the strip were completed.