RAAF DARWIN AIRFIELD
DURING WWII

Fighter Guide Map

RAAF Station Darwin and 13 Squadron RAAF were formed  from 12 Squadron on 1 June 1940. Charles Eaton was the first Commanding Officer of Darwin RAAF base 1940-1941. He then went on to become Commanding Officer of 72 and 79 Wings from 1943 to 1944. A number of personnel and "A" and "B" Flights of Avro Ansons Mark I's, were detached from 12 Squadron  to form 13 Squadron RAAF. "C" Flight and its Wirraways stayed with 12 Squadron RAAF.

In April 1941, 12 Squadron moved to the new Darwin RAAF airfield.

On 19 February 1942, 12 Squadron lost two of its Wirraways during the massive bombing raid on Darwin. It also lost a lot of technical equipment and stores when its new hangar was burnt to the ground.

There was another Japanese bombing raid on Darwin RAAF airfield on 4 March 1942. One of those killed during this air raid was Arthur Saxon Bald, a Bombardier, of 2/14 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, AIF.

Twenty seven Betty bombers of the Takao Ku led by Lieutenant Commander Goro Katsumi left Koepang on 13 June 1942 to attack the RAAF Airfield at Darwin in the Northern Territory. They were escorted by 45 Zekes of the 3rd Ku led by Lieutenant Takahide Aioi.

In mid October 1944, 34 Squadron RAAF took over the daily courier service between Parafield and Darwin and any other allocated special operations. They positioned one C-47 Dakota in Darwin during this period. In December 1944, the C-47 located in Darwin started to make flights to the Halmaheras. 34 Squadron RAAF started to move to Morotai on 15 February 1945. 

Photo:- Ted Brault

Some Spitfires in Darwin
BS231 is in the foreground

	RAAF, Darwin, Oct 1941. Gp Capt Eaton Charles, CO RAAF Station Darwin. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	Darwin Air Raids, Feb 1942. Wrecked Lockheed Hudson. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	Feb 1940. Crash of Lockheed at Darwin. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, May 1941. Visit by Dutch Glen Martins. Glen Martin M598 and one other. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, May 1941. Visit by Dutch Glen Martins. Glen Martin. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, May 1941. Visit by Dutch Glen Martins. Glen Martin. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, Aug 1941. Visit by USAAC B-17 squadron. B-17 4058 Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, Aug 1941. Visit by USAAC B-17 squadron. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, Aug 1941. Visit by USAAC B-17 squadron. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, Aug 1941. Visit by USAAC B-17 squadron. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, 1940-41. Hangar under construction. Note Station CO's married quarter to the right. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, 1940-41. New hangar. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, 1940-41. Hangar under construction.  Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson
	RAAF, Darwin, 1941. Station parade. Charles Eaton Photographic Collection via Mitch Williamson

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I'd also like to thank Randell Summerville and his cousin Rod Brault (son of Ted Brault) for their assistance with this home page.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 23 December 2001

This page last updated 15 March 2021