112 Air Sea Rescue Flight RAAF

112 Air Sea Rescue Flight RAAF was formed as a lodger unit at RAAF Station Darwin in the Northern Territory at 1700 hours on 23 December 1944. It was under the administrative control of No. 76 Wing Headquarters. The initial temporary Commanding Officer and Adjutant was Flight Lieutenant Eric Alec Butterfield (265814). Squadron Leader Kenneth Arthur Crisp (290789), a pilot, arrived at the Unit on 29 December 1944 and took over as Commanding Officer. No aircraft were allotted to the unit by the end of December 1944.

On 18 January 1945, Catalina A24-54 was allotted to 112 ASRF from 20 Squadron. This aircraft arrived on 26 January 1945 and was moored at 43 Squadron's moorings.

By 1 February 1945, 112 ASRF was able to supervise its own aircraft maintenance, but due to a lack of hangar space it was compelled to continue to use facilities available at 43 Squadron.

On 15 March 1945, the C.O., Squadron Leader Crisp ,and other were posted to 3 Personnel Depot for ferry duties. On 17 March 1945, Flight Lieutenant Robin Morton Corrie (404170) was appointed as temporary Commanding Officer of 112 ASRF. He was confirmed as the new Commanding Officer on 20 March 1945.

On 4 April 1945, Catalina A24-58 was taken over from No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot. Catalina A24-42 was taken over from 20 Squadron on 6 April 1945. On the same day, Catalina A24-54 was destroyed on the water by enemy strafing after picking up survivors from a B-24 Liberator crash. All the crew with the exception of Sgt. Arthur Edward Jones (34647) were rescued. Unsuccessful searches were carried out for Sgt. Jones.

On 31 May 1945, Catalina A24-65 was allotted to 112 ASRF from 43 Squadron. Catalina A24-65 was received from 43 Squadron on 6 June 1945. Catalina A24-71 was allotted from 43 Squadron and delivered to 112 ASRF on 10 June 1945. On 28 June 1945, F/Lt. John Daniel Gilfillan (422167) picked up Catalina A24-93 from 42 Squadron which had been allotted to 112 ASRF.

On 11 July 1945, Catalina A24-93 was allotted to 11 Squadron. On the same day Catalina A24-35 was received on allotment from 11 Squadron. Catalinas A24-56 and A24-68 were also allotted to 112 ASRF from 11 Squadron. On 14 July 1945, Catalina A24-112 was allotted to 112 ASRF from No. 1 F.B.R.D. to meet special requirements of RAAF Command. On 24 July 1945, Catalina A24-65 was allotted to 112 ASRF from 2 F.B.M.U.

On 2 August 1945, Flight Lieutenant Leith McLaurin (411120) Cameron took over as Commanding Officer from F/Lt Robin Morton Corrie (404170) D.F.C.

On 15 August 1945, an announcement of the cessation of hostilities was received. The whole unit with the exception of key personnel were stood down until 17 August 1945.

On 30 August 1945, instructions were received from North West Area Headquarters for 112 ASRF to move into a new site at Schultz Street, Darwin by 3 September 1945. 112 ASRF commenced moving to Schultz Street on 1 September 1945. The move was completed on 3 September as directed. A "B" Class Canteen was established at Schultz Street on 6 September 1945.

On 16 September 1945, F/Lt. Leith McLaurin Cameron (411120), the Commanding Officer, was injured when he was struck by an aircraft propeller. He was admitted to hospital in a satisfactory condition. F/Lt. Norman John Langdon (402743) was appointed as temporary Commanding Officer on the same day. F/Lt. Leith McLaurin Cameron (411120) resumed duties as Commanding Officer on 16 October 1945.

112 ASRF commenced its relocation from Doctors Gully to East Arm on 20 November 1945 taking over the site of 20 Squadron RAAF.

F/Lt. Leith McLaurin Cameron (411120) handed over command to Flight Lieutenant Ronald John Rankin (O3245) on 21 November 1945. 112 ASRF finished it relocation to East Arm on 22 November 1945. The equipment and stores of 2 FBMU were taken over and RAAF Marine Section was placed under the command of 112 ASRF. During November 1945, Air Sea Rescue activity was considerably reduced, however all commitments were met. A permanent Air Sea Rescue standby under orders of A.C.R.W.A. of one aircraft and one crew was maintained at Learmonth. An aircraft and crew was also maintained at Labuan under orders of 1st TAF RAAF. The general efficiency of 112 ASRF had temporarily suffered as a result of all these changes.

On 14 December 1945, Catalina A24-69 caught fire and sunk at its moorings on the anchorage area. Flight Lieutenant Shelmerdine was appointed Commanding Officer on 9 March 1946.

On 15 May 1946, 112 ASRF started to relocate from East Arm RAAF Station Darwin. On the same day F/Lt Delahunty assumed command of 112 ASRF.

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