X-Nico

unusual facts about RAAF Base Darwin


RAAF Base Darwin

From Darwin, the group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for a series of long-range attacks on oil refineries, shipping, and dock facilities in Balikpapan, Borneo, in August 1943.


No. 5 Fighter Sector RAAF

Initially set up in tents near Sandfly Gully, south of the RAAF Darwin runway in early 1942, 5FS's position was deemed to be too exposed and the unit relocated to Berrimah, Northern Territory, near No. 119 Australian General Hospital, where an operations room had been constructed.

Operation Astute

12:30 (Darwin) A RAAF 34SQN Challenger 604 (VIP jet) was tasked to fly the Australian Vice Chief of Defence Force from Canberra to Dili via Darwin, to negotiate the rules of engagement of the Australian operation, and other conditions of deployment.

RAAF Learmonth

Though F-111C's could have made a round-trip to Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, from RAAF Base Darwin, the route they took would have been very much limited by range.


see also