Tocumwal Aerodrome

My Grandfather served in the RAAF during World War II. He enlisted in 1942 and served until the war ended in 1945. Most of that time he was posted at Tocumwal firstly with the Paratroop Unit and then with the 7OTU (Operational Training Unit).

The entry signage, the wall and sentry box from the original aerodrome site are now located at the entrance to the Tocumwal Golf Club

In February 1942 it was decided that a heavy bomber base should be built for the U.S. Air Force. Tocumwal was chosen for a number of reasons including it’s flat open terrain. After a few short weeks the airfield was ready which was in itself an enormous feat. But then on the 8th of May the Battle of the Coral Sea slowed the Japanese advances so the Americans moved their base to Townsville. The RAAF took over the base in November 1942.

From Left to Right: Aerial view of the airfield, B24 Liberator bombers flying over Tocumwal, and one on the ground, map of the area and farms overtaken by the U. S. Airforce, and a huge crane the likes of which had never before been seen around Tocumwal.

The 200 bed 5 RAAF hospital was built 8 kilometres from the main airfield. My Grandfather spent two months in this hospital during which tiime he had a kidney removed. This destroyed his chances of serving overseas much to his disappointment.

L to R: A ward at the hospital, description of 5 RAAF hospital, aerial view of the hospital, plaque dedicated to the hospital site and view from the road of the concrete tank and concrete foundations which still remain on the site.