RAAF STATION NOWRA
NOWRA, NSW
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

#40-1488
#40-1428
#40-1433
#40-1495
#40-1536
#40-1521

The Elementary Portion of No. 1 Fitter 11E Torpedo Conversion Course was completed on 17 July 1942 and a signal was sent to that effect to Air Board and Eastern Area Headquarters.

On 20 July 1942 the following USAAF personnel arrived at RAAF Station Nowra:-

2 Officers
4 Sergeants
6 Enlisted Men

On 22 July 1942, a search was carried out for an enemy submarine in the vicinity of a point about 8 miles east of Tathra Head by a Beaufort. A submarine was sighted and bombed. There was no definite result from the action. On the same day, two B-26 Marauders carried out a sweep coastwise ten miles apart to locate and attack a submarine reported 5 miles east of Tura Point. Task completed, nil found. Again on the same day, a Beaufort commenced a search of the area from Sandy Point to Yellow Head and 30 miles to seaward at 1600 hours K time. Nil found.

On 23 July 1942, three B-26 Marauders carried out a search for an enemy submarine in an area from Rathmines to seven miles south of Ulladulla and fifty miles to seaward commencing at 0630 hours K time. Nil found. Commencing at dusk on 23 July 1942, three B-26 Marauders searched an area from Rathmines to seven miles south of Ulladulla and fifty miles to seaward. Nil found.

On 26 July 1942, B-26 Marauder #40-1498 departed Nowra for Fishermans Bend. A square search was carried out by an Oxford for an enemy submarine in position 35° 02' S, 150º 58' E. The Oxford then returned to Nowra. Nil found.

On 2 August 1942, telephone advice was received from Moruya that heavy gunfire was heard off the coast. On 3 August 1942, telephone advice from Moruya was received that a ship of approximately 1,000 tonnes was sinking off Moruya and that they were taking necessary action. The 21st Reconnaissance Battalion reported heavy gunfire off the coast near Beecroft Head.

On 3 August 1942, Wing Commander John Raeburn Balmer (68) and four Beauforts and crew from 100 Squadron RAAF arrived for training.

Wing Commander Wright and Squadron Leader Smith of Allied Air Force Headquarters arrived at RAAF Station, Nowra on 10 August 1942 on Official Business. They visited Jervis Bay at night to watch films of the work carried out by the Torpedo Training School.

On 13 August 1942, Wing Commander John Raeburn Balmer (68) and 4 Beauforts finished the training course and departed for Laverton Airfield.

On 16 August 1942, six Beauforts from 100 Squadron arrived from Laverton to complete the Torpedo Course.

On 18 August 1942, Tender No. C.8488 overturned enroute to the Railway Station when its tyre blew out. Seven personnel were seriously injured, and 14 were slightly injured.

Captain Allen USAAF departed for the north in one of the B-26s on 19 August 1942.

On 22 August 1942, a crash boat sank near its moorings at Jervis Bay in strong winds.

Torpedo exercises were carried out between 29 August and 31 August 1942 involving 24 Squadron, 100 Squadron and HMAS Deloraine.

An air raid exercise was carried out at night on 30 August 1942. A further daytime air raid exercise was carried out on 31 August 1942 involving 100 Squadron aircraft in a mock attack. The Station defence scheme was activated with satisfactory results.

On 6 September 1942, Oxford BM-710 hit obstruction posts on the side of the runway at Nowra airfield at 1615 hours. The accident was caused by the loss of brake pressure whilst taxying. Due to strong winds the pilot, Flying Officer Geoffrey Rex Schlank (407184) was unable to turn the aircraft and it hit the obstruction posts. F/O Schlank and the crew of two were uninjured.

The Base Torpedo Unit was established at Nowra on 7 September 1942 under the command of Squadron Leader John Owen Parker Dibbs (90). He had previously held the position of Assistant Chief Instructor RAAF Station, Nowra.

On 24 September 1942, RAAF Beaufort A9-109, of 7 Squadron RAAF, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Peter McCallum Paull (270815) of 7 Squadron RAAF, made a forced landing near Bowen Island, approximately 4 miles off Jervis Bay in New South Wales. The aircraft broke up on impact. The crew were rescued by an Air Sea Rescue Launch. Flight Lieutenant Paull and the crew of two received minor abrasions and shock. The Beaufort was carrying out low flying exercises at the time of the accident. Its airscrews touched the water and lost some of its blades and crashed.

On 3 October 1942, Beaufort A9-106, piloted by Sergeant P. Harrison (412136) overshot the end of the runway at Nowra Airfield and crashed through a fence causing severe damage to the aircraft.

On 8 October 1942, Captain H. Howden R.N. and Lieutenant Gerald Mellor Haynes R.A.N. arrived at RAAF Station, Nowra for the period covering the duration of air maneuvers held by Base Torpedo Units at Jervis Bay with HMAS Broome.

On 9 October 1942, Beaufort A9-112, piloted by Sergeant Philip Harrison (412136) of 7 Squadron RAAF, crashed into the sea off RAAF Station, Nowra during low flying exercises over the sea. The pilot had been involved in an earlier accident on 3 October 1942.

On 10 October 1942, Flight Lieutenant John Arthur Campbell of Eastern Area Headquarters arrived to carry out a salvage inspection and survey route for the removal of Beaufort A9-106.

On 10 October 1942, six B-25 Mitchells of the NEI-AF arrived in conjunction with Air Maneuvers conducted by the Base Torpedo Unit at Jervis Bay. They departed for Canberra on 12 October 1942.

On 11 October 1942, six Wirraways from Canberra landed to participate in Air Maneuvers held by the Base Torpedo Unit at Jervis Bay on 11 and 12th October. They departed for Canberra on 13 October 1942. Four B-25 Mitchells of the NEI-AF arrived on 11 October 1942 in conjunction with Air Maneuvers conducted by the Base Torpedo Unit at Jervis Bay. They departed for Canberra on 12 October 1942.

On 12 October 1942, A.S.O. Agnes Irene Maurer (93060 WAAAF) reported for duty as O.I.C. WAAAFs at RAAF Station, Nowra.

On 13 October 1942, 2nd Lieutenant Fulshu and forty NEI-AF personnel arrived from Canberra in preparation for practice and Live Bombing practices at Corrorong Bombing Range. Six B-25 Mitchells arrived on 15 October 1942. Nowra Airfield was declared unserviceable on 13 October 1942 due to heavy rain and Eastern Area Headquarters was advised.

On 15 October 1942, the east end of the East/West runway was declared unserviceable for one half mile, with the remainder unserviceable for an estimated period of 24 hours. Eastern Area Headquarters was advised.

On 19 October 1942, Pilot Officer Cutting of Equipment Branch, Air Board arrived at Nowra to supervise the equipment of 7 Squadron RAAF in preparation for their movement to a new location. An advance party of 7 Squadron under the command of Pilot Officer Sawyer left Nowra by train on 20 October 1942.

Eastern Area Headquarters was advised on 21 October 1942 that Nowra Airfield was unserviceable. It became serviceable the following day.

On 28 October 1942, RAAF Beaufort A9-105, piloted by Pilot Officer Angus Yorke Swanson (416463) crashed and burnt at Nowra airfield at RAAF Station Nowra. It had been taking part in an attack exercise on HMAS Tamworth. During its return flight to base, its starboard propeller flew off at 500 feet over the sea approximately 10 miles east of Jervis Bay. P/O Swanson successfully flew the Beaufort back to Nowra Airfield on one engine. However while attempting an emergency downwind landing he crashed the Beaufort off the runway and it caught fire.

 Base Torpedo Unit B.T.U. Courses

Note:- ** not completed

On 7 November 1942, "B" Flight, as the Rear Party of 7 Squadron RAAF, under the command of Squadron Leader O. Barton, departed Nowra to join the rest of 7 Squadron.

On 12 November 1942, No. 1 Flight, 18 Squadron NEI-AF, under the command of Flight Lieutenant V. D. Brock, arrived to carry out Bombing and Gunnery Practice in their B-25 Mitchells. On 13 November 1942, Pilot Officer Ransom and Pilot Officer Hempenstall arrived in a Walrus for Drogue Towing for 18 Squadron NEI-AF training. Pilot Officer Hempenstall returned to Rathmines on the same day.

On 19 December 1942, Beauforts A9-99, A9-107, A9-111, A9-103 were detached to 5 O.T.U. Wagga, during sealing of the Nowra Airfield. Beaufort A9-117 was detached to Moruya during the sealing work at Nowra. The airfield was closed during the sealing works.

On 20 December 1942, Beauforts A9-113, A9-125, A9-101, A9-96 and A9-130 were detached to Bankstown during sealing of the Nowra Airfield. The remaining Flight of 73 Squadron was detached to Moruya during the sealing works. Their Headquarters remained at Nowra.

On 27 December 1942, 73 Reserve Squadron was formed as an independent unit under Eastern Area Headquarters under the command of Flying Officer Berry.

On 28 December 1942, Beaufort A9-93 was detached to Richmond during airfield sealing works at Nowra.

The Commanding Officer proceeded to Rathmines on 2 January 1943 to undergo a Conversion Course on Sikorsky and Walrus aircraft. Squadron Leader Gadd took over as acting C.O. The C.O. returned from Rathmines on 16 January 1943.

Beaufort A9-117 travelled to Brisbane, then Evans Head on 22 January 1943 and returned to Nowra on 29 January 1943.

Beauforts A9-20, A9-107, A9-101, A9-130, A9-113, and A9-125 flew to Evans Head on 23 January 1943 and returned to Nowra on 29 January 1943.

On 6 April 1943, Flight Lieutenant Arthur Edgar Walz (272599) and Pilot Officer Cameron visited RAAF Station Nowra for H/F D/F inspection and calibration.

At 0845 hrs E.S.T. on 12 April 1943, Beaufort A9-266 crashed approximately 1 mile up Cabbage Tree Creek on the north east side of Jervis Bay, during practice torpedo camera attacks. Sergeant Cyril Wattie Jackson (414038) of Base Torpedo Unit was fatally injured.

On 12 April 1943, Wing Commander N. C. Walker (RAF 26167) departed to take command of RAAF Station Maryborough on 23 April 1943. Wing Commander John Ernest Graham (250095) assumed command of RAAF Station, Nowra on 13 April 1943.

On 14 April 1943, two Beauforts collided with each other over Jervis Bay. They were A9-27 and A9-268 from Base Torpedo Unit at RAAF Station, Nowra. They were carrying out a series of dummy runs and torpedo attacks on HMAS Burra-bra for a group of accredited War Correspondents on board the ship. At the end of the demonstration the 3 Beauforts taking part in the exercise began a high speed low level run past HMAS Burra-bra and commenced a "Prince of Wales" breakup formation. This involves the lead aircraft climbing steeply while the other two aircraft execute steep climbing turns to the left and right.

Beaufort A9-27 leading the 3 aircraft in the final high speed run

Beaufort A9-268 hits the water while A9-27 falls towards Jervis Bay
and the third Beaufort pulls away to the left

Beaufort A9-27 hits the water

The accident was filmed by Fox Movietone News cameraman Eric Bieve and has been shown many times over the years. It also featured in the television documentary "This Fabulous Century". Flight Lieutenant David George Dey and his crew and Flying Officer Raymond Sydney Green and his crew were all killed as per the following list:-

CREW OF A9-268

Flt Lt David George Dey ( 280627)  - Pilot
F/O Rex Lindsay Solomon (408149)
F/O Jack Norman (407561)
Sgt Hugh Sydney George Richardson (410093)

CREW OF A9-27

F/O Raymond Sydney Green (408110)  -  Pilot
Sgt Albert John Bailey (409976)
F/O Maurice Francis Hoban (409118)
P/O Eric William Sweetnam (408077)

On 3 May 1943 Flying Officer C. N. Wilson, Officer Commanding Marine Section, proceeded on duty by rail to Sydney. He returned by rail on 5 May 1943. His duty was to pick up a marine craft. On the same day Pilot Officer Jack de Castilla (119514) proceeded on duty to Sydney to pick up a Marine Craft and he returned on 9 May 1943.

On 4 May 1943, RAAF Station, Nowra ceased being administered by Eastern Area Headquarters and came under the control of No. 2 Training Group. No 73 Squadron was a lodger unit of RAAF Station, Nowra.

On 25 May 1943, Beaufort A9-115 crashed into the sea 10 miles off shore between Beecroft and St. Georges Heads off Jervis Bay. There were three fatal casualties.

On 6 September 1943, No. 6 OTU, with the exception of certain Maintenance Sections, commenced the move from RAAF Station, Nowra to Jervis Bay. RAAF HQ Postagram QX.988 of 6 September 1943 allotted the Marine Craft from RAAF Station, Nowra to No. 6 OTU.

On 17 September 1943, due to the work on the strip at Jervis Bay not being completed, the No. 6 OTU aircraft and maintenance personnel move was postponed from 17 September to 25 September 1943.

On 8 September 1943, Beaufort A9-113 of No. 6 O.T.U. crash landed, just failing to make Nowra Airfield, after the failure of its port engine. On 16 September 1943, S/Ldr Basil James Clifton (260594) arrived from 1 A.O.S. by aircraft for duty as investigating officer re crashed Beaufort A9-113. On 21 September 1943, S/Ldr Basil James Clifton (260594) returned by air to No. 1 A.O.S. on completion of his investigation into the crash of Beaufort of A9-113.

The move of No. 6 OTU to Jervis Bay was completed on 25 September 1943.

On 30 September 1943, Northrop Delta A61-1 of 37 Squadron RAAF had an accident while taking off from Nowra Airfield. It was piloted by Squadron Leader Keith Geoffrey Caldwell (261491) with F/Sgt Arthur Thomas Gardiner (411097) as navigator.

Daylight Saving was introduced on 3 October 1943.

On 24 October 1943, a concert was held in the Station Cinema from 1930 hours to 2130 hours. There were visiting artists from Sydney, along with one airman from 73 Squadron RAAF. They gave a performance to a packed house and an appreciative audience.

On 26 November 1943, Wing Commander John Ernest Graham (250095) relinquished command of RAAF Station, Nowra and Wing Commander Gerard Francis Ell (209/0363), the Commanding Officer of Base Torpedo Unit, took over command of RAAF Station, Nowra.

An igloo, which had started erection on 14 October 1943, was completed on 28 November 1943.

Fire broke out in the Armament Section at approximately 1900 hours on 21 December 1943. The fire was extinguished at approximately 1930 hours. Extensive damage occurred to one of three rooms in the section and to the equipment in that room.

On 22 March 1944, Signal 0.118 - 22 Mar from 2 Training Group, advised that No. 6 Operational Training Unit would cease to function from 31 March 1944 with a view to disbandment. RAAF Station, Nowra and Base Torpedo Unit would transfer to the command of Eastern Area Headquarters with effect 31 March 1944. No. 1 Mobile Torpedo Section would cease functioning forthwith with a view to disbandment.

On 20 April 1944, F/Lt Meredith and P/O McDonald from Eastern Area Headquarters, arrived at RAAF Station, Nowra to erect a new Radar beacon.

On 10 May 1944, Mr. Beelaerts, a representative of the N.E.I. Government, lectured personnel on Malayan and Dutch campaigns.

On 16 May 1944, F/O Snowden arrived from Sydney to repair a damaged hangar.

On 30 May 1944, Captain R. N. Chattock arrived at RAAF Station, Nowra on a visit concerning facilities for the Fleet Air Arm.

On 12 June 1944, S/O Ella Mary Webb (110203) (Admin) arrived on posting from No. 5 A.D. at Forest Hill, for duties as Officer in charge WAAAF.

On 17 July 1944, Group Officer Clare Grant Stevenson (351001), Director of WAAAF, and Squadron Officer G. Stark arrived by aircraft from No. 2 Training Group for WAAAF Inspection.

On 20 July 1944, Group Officer Clare Grant Stevenson (351001), Director of WAAAF, and Squadron Officer Margery Cader (350107) arrived for WAAAF Inspection.

On 3 August 1944, Wing Commander Wilfred John Guthrie (267) relinquished command of RAAF Station, Nowra on posting to a new location. Squadron Leader James Roland Porter (251549) H.Q. to temporarily command RAAF Station, Nowra.

On 1 September 1944, Squadron Leader James Roland Porter (251549) (Admin) relinquished command of RAAF Station, Nowra on posting to 7SFTS at Deniliquin. Flight Lieutenant A. H. Campey (2400) (E. Tech) took over temporary command of RAAF Station, Nowra.

On 15 September 1944, Headquarters, RAAF Station, Nowra ceased to function.

RAAF Station, Nowra was disbanded on 15 October 1944.

REFERENCES

"Revenge of the Red Raiders"

RAAF Station Nowra ORB

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Bob Livingstone for his assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 28 December 2023

This page last updated 09 February 2024