Coomalie Creek Airfield
Coomalie Creek Airfield in 2008
Summary
Airport typePrivate
OwnerRichard Luxton
LocationCoomalie Creek, Northern Territory
Elevation AMSL175 ft / 53 m
Coordinates13°00′35.5″S 131°07′49″E / 13.009861°S 131.13028°E / -13.009861; 131.13028
Map
Coomalie Creek Airfield is located in Northern Territory
Coomalie Creek Airfield
Coomalie Creek Airfield
Location of airport in Northern Territory
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
17/35 4,986 1,520 Gravel

Coomalie Creek Airfield was a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airfield built in 1942 in what is now the locality of Coomalie Creek, Northern Territory, Australia during World War II.[1] The airfield fell into disuse after the war ended. Since purchasing the surrounding land in 1977, private owners have restored the runway and rebuilt some wartime buildings to preserve the airfield's history.[2] It was listed on the Northern Territory Heritage Register in 2011, along with a nearby anti-aircraft battery that was used for airfield defence.[3]

History

The airfield was operated by No. 54 Operational Base Unit. The first unit to arrive was No. 31 Squadron, equipped with Bristol Beaufighters, in November 1942.

No. 1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit RAAF (1 PRU) arrived at the airfield in 1943 equipped with P-38 Lightnings, de Havilland Mosquitos and CAC Wirraways. 1PRU was re-designated No. 87 Squadron RAAF on 10 September 1944.

In November 1944, three Dakotas from No. 34 Squadron were detached to the airfield, prior to staging north of Australia.

No. 87 Squadron launched the last Australia-based operational RAAF mission of World War II from Coomalie Creek. The airfield was abandoned after World War II and is now in private ownership.

Part of Leg 9 of The Amazing Race 9 was conducted at Coomalie Creek Airfield.

Japanese air raids at Coomalie Creek Airfield

31 Squadron Beaufighter burning at Coomalie Creek after a Japanese attack, 1942.
  • 23 November 1942
  • 27 November 1942
  • 2 March 1943
  • 13 August 1943
  • 21 August 1943
  • 10 November 1943

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Place Names Register Extract for Coomalie Creek Landing Ground (sic)". NT Place Names Register. Northern Territory Government. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  2. ↑ David Hancock (28 March 2013). "Runway revival". R.M. Williams Outback. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  3. ↑ "World War II (WWII) Coomalie Airstrip". Northern Territory Heritage Register. Northern Territory Government. 15 June 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
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