3 FIGHTER SECTOR HEADQUARTERS
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

Townsville @ War - Air Defence Systems 1942
and the three Air Raids on Townsville

In January 1942, the site for 3 FSHQ was selected by Wing Commander G. E. Samson O.B.E. and approximately 20 Officers arrived from a School of Administration on 25 February 1942. They were quartered at St. Patrick's Convent on the Strand. No. 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters (3FSHQ) was established on 25 February 1942 in the Grammar School at North Ward to RAAF Establishment HD-93. Wing Commander G. E. Samson O.B.E. (RAF) was posted to 3FSHQ on 2 March 1942 as the initial Commanding Officer.

On 27 February 1942, on a test flight over Cleveland Bay an Empire Flying Boat crashed on landing and sank. Among the eleven personnel on board were Pilot Officers Wagner, Lawrence and Filmer from 3 FSHQ. Pilot Officer Harold John Wagner (4215) was killed, Pilot Officer Leonard Charles Laurence (264288) suffered a fractured spine and Pilot Officer Alan Filmer (274159) sustained cuts and bruises.

The first party of Airmen and WAAAFs arrived at 3 FSHQ. The Airmen were quartered in the Convent on The Strand and the WAAAFs were placed in other barracks in Townsville.

The Operations Room at the Grammar School was built by carpenters, electricians and telephone mechanics. About the middle of March 1942, a 24 hours watch was instituted, one officer receiving all signals and information and passing it on to A.C.H., which took any action necessary.

The Strength for 3 FSHQ as of 31 March 1942 was 30 Officers and 115 Other Ranks. During March 1942 a number of Officers were posted to 4 FSHQ for instruction.

In early April 1942, the Airmen were moved into Barracks at the Grammar School near 3 FSHQ. A number of Officers had to seek living-out accommodation, as the Convent was required by 33 Squadron RAAF.

Nos. 35 and 36 Pursuit Squadrons were allotted to 3 FSHQ on 7 April 1942 for fighter duties.

38 WAAAFs were posted to 3 FSHQ for Operations Room duties on 14 April 1942. Wing Commander G. E. Samson OBE proceeded to Melbourne on duty and Squadron Leader N. Ford A.F.C. was appointed as temporary Commanding Officer of 3 FSHQ.

The Queensland Governor Sir Leslie Wilson accompanied by Air Commodore F.W. Lukis O.B.E. visited 3 FSHQ on 18 April 1942.

Wing Commander G. E. Samson returned from Melbourne and resumed duties as C.O. of 3 FSHQ.

35 and 36 Pursuit Squadrons ceased being under the control of 3 FSHQ on 26 April 1942.

Lieutenant General Brett (USAAF) and Air Commodore F.W. Lukis O.B.E. carried out an inspection of 3 FSHQ on 30 April 1942.

On 13 May 1942, Wing Commander G.E. Samson OBE (RAF) proceeded to Port Moresby on temporary duty and Squadron Leader N. Ford A.F.C. was appointed as temporary Commanding Officer of 3 FSHQ. Wing Commander Samson re-assumed command on 16 May 1942.

Group Captain Scherger inspected 3 FSHQ on 24 May 1942. Strength for 3 FSHQ on 31 May 1942 was 27 Officers and 180 other ranks.

Governor General Lord Gowrie accompanied by Air Commodore F.W Lukis inspected 3 FSHQ on 19 June 1942.

On 22 June 1942, Wing Commander G. E. Samson RAF proceeded to Port Moresby on temporary duty. Squadron Leader N. Ford was appointed as temporary Commanding Officer. Wing Commander G .E. Samson re-assumed command on 25 June 1942.

On 29 June 1942, Wing Commander G. E. Samson RAF proceeded to Air Force Headquarters on temporary duty. Squadron Leader N. Ford was appointed as temporary Commanding Officer. Wing Commander G. E. Samson (RAF) re-assumed command on 8 July 1942.

Air Raid Alarm was sounded at 2350K hours on 25 July 1942, on the approach of Japanese bombers. Bombs were dropped but no damage or casualties occurred. The "All Clear" was sounded at 0115K hours on 26 July 1942.

Air Raid Alarm was sounded at 0203K hours on 28 July 1942 on the approach of one Japanese bomber. Bombs were jettisoned, no damage or casualties occurred. The "All Clear" was sounded at 0320K hours on 28 July 1942.

 Air Raid Alarm was sounded at 0001K hours on 29 July 1942. Bombs were dropped but no damage or casualties occurred. The "All Clear" was sounded at 0115K hours on 29 July 1942.

Air Raid Alarm was sounded at 0240K hours on 31 July 1942, but no enemy aircraft were seen over the Townsville area. The "All Clear" was sounded at 0305K hours on 31 July 1942.

Wing Commander G. E. Samson (RAF) was attached to 3RC in Brisbane for one day on 28 September 1942. Squadron Leader M. M. J. Stevens (RAF) assumed command of 3 FSHQ for that one day of absence.

Strength of 3 FSHQ as of 29 September 1942 was 24 Officers, 99 Airmen and 55 Airwomen.

Group Captain G. E. Samson (RAF) relinquished command of 3 FSHQ on 18 October 1942  to take command of 8 FSHQ. Squadron Leader M. M. J. Stevens (RAF) assumed command of 3 FSHQ.

During October 1942, 36 NCOs and Airmen were attached to 3 FSHQ for training pending the formation of No. 9 (Mobile) Fighter Sector. They ceased their attachment to 3 FSHQ on 3 November 1942.

A few aircraft from 75 Squadron were available to 3 FSHQ from 16 November to 30 November 1942. There were no fighter aircraft available for 3 FSHQ to scramble from 1 December 1942.

At 0755Z hours on 9 February 1942, a female VAOC observer at Letherbrook Observation Post (35 miles south of Bowen) reported two single engined float planes with red circles markings on their wings and fuselage. The aircraft were seen several times and were flying south. This was reported through the VAOC. Later our Naval Liaison reported that between 0630K hours and 0740K hours a convoy proceeding north through the Whitsunday Passage (near Letherbrook) heard the sound of aero engines passing south. Between 0909Z hours and 0915Z hours the American R.D.F. Mobile Unit and Mackay rang through three plots of an unidentified aircraft inland about 25 miles S.W. of Mackay and travelling towards the town. Between 0947Z hours and 0953Z hours the same Unit reported four more unidentified plots, this time at sea 35 miles N.N.E. of Mackay travelling north.

At 0920Z hours on 13 December 1942, Letherbrook VAOC O.P. reported two hostile aircraft flying north 55 miles south of Bowen.

On 15 December 1942, two P-40s now stationed at Bowen to carry out regular evening patrols on lookout for suspected hostile reconnaissance aircraft from possible Japanese submarines. This had been arranged by A.O.R. The two pilots were F/O Shiells and Sgt. Riddell. Sgt Riddell apparently crashed his P-40 and F/O Todd took over his place for the regular evening patrols.

At 0802Z hours on 15 December 1942, Letherbrook VAOC reported that one unidentified aircraft had passed S.E. of the post at high altitude. The description given tallied with a P-40. Later the pilot of one of the two P-40s reported that he and his offsider were in the air and had passed in the vicinity of the Observation Post.

At 0630Z hours on 17 December 1942, a Yellow Alert was given in respect of an unidentified aircraft which was plotted coming in from N.N.E. about 55 miles from Townsville. It was subsequently identified as a DC-3. A White Air Raid signal was released at 0640Z hours.

On 18 December 1942, a meeting of Intelligence Officers attached to 3 FSHQ was held. Arrangements were made to show U.S. Aircraft Identification films to Australian A.A. personnel on 24 December 1942.

At 1307Z hours on 22 December 1942 a Red Alert was issued. An unidentified aircraft had been plotted at 1214Z hours at a position 108 miles north of Townsville. Over Magnetic Island at 1253Z hours it behaved in a peculiar manner when searchlights were turned on and departed S.E. towards Cape Bowling Green. At 1303Z hours it was designated hostile and at 1307Z hours a Red Alert was given. At 1324Z hours a B-17 Flying Fortress (No. 662) landed at Garbutt Airfield and reported that it had followed the course plotted by 3 FSHQ. When it landed the B-17 was fired upon from a hill at the end of No. 1 runway. There was no firing under instructions given from 3 FSHQ. A Green "All Clear" Alert was given at 1332Z hours.

The No. 3 FSHQ Christmas Annual was published on 22 December 1942.

On 25 December 1942, Christmas Day was celebrated at 3 FSHQ. A Church Parade was held at 0800 hours followed by visits to the Sergeants' and Officers' Mess. At 1200 hours members of the Officers' and Sergeants' Messes waited on Airmen and Airwomen. At 1800 hours there was a special Christmas Tea followed by a social dance at the Canteen.

A Yellow Alert was given at 0145Z hours on 28 December 1942. A White Alert was issued at 0148Z hours.

A Yellow Alert was given at 0327Z hours on 31 December 1942. A White Alert was issued at 0325Z hours.

On 4 January 1932 Lieutenant Hunt, the Commanding Officer of Ayr R.D.F Station notified the Filter Officer at 3 FSHQ that his Station was discontinuing operations. The first issue of the Unit daily "Newsgram" appeared on 4 January 1943. It was a daily summary of the news issued by the Unit Intelligence Section.

From 10 January 1943, the 370th Service Squadron USAAF at Charters Towers was standing by to assist 3 FSHQ with fighter aircraft. Aircraft were serviced at the Squadron and there were always some available. The daily practice was for the Operations Officer on duty to ring Charters Towers at 0900 L to check out availability. Aircraft available could travel the 85 miles from Charters Towers in 38 minutes. Availability was from dawn to three-quarters of an hour before sunset.

On 16 January 1943, it was reported that VHF DF equipment for 3 FSHQ would soon be ready for use. It had been decided that this was essential Sector equipment when the Unit was first established in February 1942. Arrangements were being made to put guards to watch the equipment until the new Fighter Sector bunker at Stuart was operational.

VHF DF was very high frequency radio equipment for plotting fighter aircraft under control from the Fighter Sector Operations room. The Controller could see at a glance exactly where the fighter aircraft were and he would direct them by radio (separate equipment from VHF DF). The new system did away with the fighter pilots having to worry about their own positions. All they had to do was to follow instructions from the Controller. VHF DF was part of the standard equipment of English Fighter Sectors. The Homing Station was on Cairns Road (Ingham Road) , just the other side of Garbutt Airfield. The triangulator stations were at Moongabulla (about 40 miles north of Townsville, and near the coast). Mingela (about 40 miles west of Townsville) and at Brandon (about 30 miles south, near the coast).

On 22 January 1943 Squadron Leader M. J. Stevens (Commanding Officer) and Flying Officer A Frost, the Signals Officer left for Melbourne to adjust matters in connection with the correct wiring for the new Fighter Sector Headquarters bunker at Stuart. Flight Lieutenant J. W. Piper took over temporarily as Commanding Officer during their absence.

Guards were placed on duty at the VHF D/F Homing Station near Garbutt on 23 January 1943.

At 0643Z hours on 31 January 1943, there was a Yellow Alert in respect of an unidentified aircraft coming in from N.E.  (Milne Bay track). It was first plotted at 0623Z hours about 135 miles away. A Red Alert was given at 0703Z hours. Soon after that the aircraft was sighted by an American searchlight observer on Magnetic Island and identified it as a DC-2 transport returning from Milne Bay. It was well ahead of its expected arrival time. Green and White Alerts were given at 0714Z hours.

Flight Lieutenant P. A. Masters assumed command of 3 FSHQ.

On 1 February 1943 between 1200 hours and 1300 hours three unidentified R.D.F. Tracks North-East of Townsville followed a peculiar course which indicated they may have been submarine-based reconnaissance aircraft. At no time were they nearer than 30 miles off Townsville, and they were not sighted by anyone.

On 2 February 1943, the Commanding Officer Squadron Leader M. M. J. Stevens and Flying Officer A. Frost returned from Melbourne where they had been on duty to adjust matters in connection with communications at the new Sector Headquarters bunker at Stuart. The first dining-in night was held for 3 FHSQ on 2 February 1943.

Guards were sent out to Mingela V.H.R.D.F. Station on 6 February 1943.

From 20 February 1943, VAOC Pre-Warning sightings were recorded at 3 FSHQ and suspicious movements were reported to Airintel.

On 22 February 1943, WAAAFs posted to 3 FSHQ occupied barracks attached to the Sector Headquarters.

3 FSHQ celebrated its first anniversary on 25 February 1943. Pilot Officer Norman William Edwin Calver (03242) was appointed Adjutant of 3 FSHQ on 28 February 1943.

An unidentified aircraft was plotted by R.D.F Cape Cleveland on 1 March 1943 and bearing about 170 miles out. A Yellow Alert was issued. Visual sightings from Cape Cleveland indicated that the unidentified aircraft was a Douglas. It subsequently landed at Garbutt Airfield, and proved to be a Douglas off course which had been heading for Gurney.

A WAAAF Birthday Dance was held at 3 Fighter Sector WAAAF Barracks on 15 March 1943. 3 FSHQ took an active part in the WAAAF Birthday celebrations. No. 3 Fighter Sector won the shield at the Combined Sports Meeting on 20 March 1943.

No. 4 VAOC Officers took over "Neville Lodge" on 22 March 1943 and joined the 3 Fighter Sector Officers' Mess.

3 FSHQ Choir was formed on 5 April 1943.

Between 8 to 12 April 1943, 3 FSHQ co-operated with VAOC and Air Intel. in connection with reports of alleged enemy activities in the Gulf of Carpentaria. These subsequently proved unfounded.

On 12 April 1942 Wing Commander M. M. J. Stevens RAF and Flying Officer A. Frost D.F.M. proceeded by road to Bowen on inspections. Flight Lieutenant P. A. Masters assumed temporary command of 3 FSHQ. Wing Commander Stevens and Flying Officer Frost returned on 14 April 1943.

On 19 April 1943, all aircraft were grounded for short time and gun batteries alerted as the result of reports of an unidentified aircraft in the Townsville area.

On 24 April 1943, twenty two WAAAF NCOs and Airwomen arrived on posting to 3 FSHQ.

3 FSHQ Choir visited St. Anne's Barracks Chapel on 25 April 1943 and participated in the Easter Service.

A Yellow Alert was issued on 26 April 1943 as a result of an unidentified plot on the Moresby Track.

On 28 April 1943, Wing Commander M. M. J. Stevens and Flying Officer H. J. Manuel proceeded on duty to Charters Towers. Flight Lieutenant P. A. Masters assumed temporary command of 3 FSHQ. They returned form Charters Towers on the following day.

Wing Commander M. M. J. Stevens proceed on recreation leave on 8 May 1943 and  Flight Lieutenant P.A. Masters assumed command of 3 FSHQ.

Flying Officer R. E. G. Devlin was injured in an accident in Townsville on 10 May 1943 and was admitted to 5 M.R.S. in a serious condition. Flying Officer Devlin later died from his injuries on 20 May 1943.

On 11 May 1943, A.O.R. advised that a Beaufort from 7 Squadron RAAF would be on standby each night until further notice.

There was a practice air-raid drill held on 12 May 1943.

On 18 May 1943, Wing Commander H. A. Conaghan assumed command of 3 FSHQ.

P-40 Kittyhawks of 86 Squadron arrived and were placed under 3 FSHQ control on 24 May 1943. 3 FSHQ advised 370 Squadron at Charters Towers that they were no longer required to standby while 86 Squadron was available on standby.

Wing Commander M. M. J. Stevens RAF departed on 1 June 1943 on posting to No. 1 E.D.

86 Squadron RAAF took part in some Naval Exercises from 3 June 1943 for about a week.

3 FSHQ co-operated with 7 Squadron RAAF in Searchlight Liaison exercises on 10 June 1943.

On 11 June 1943, two P-40 Kittyhawks from 86 Squadron made an operational sortie to investigate an unidentified ship about 30 miles north of Magnetic Island. The aircraft reached the target area but did not sight the target owing to poor visibility. The ship signalled identification, possibly as a result of hearing the aircraft searching. The aircraft were airborne for 81 minutes.

On 13 June 1943 two P-40 Kittyhawks of 86 Squadron made a sortie to investigate an unidentified aircraft. They identified it as a Stinson. The P-40s were airborne for 22 minutes.

From 17 June 1943, 7 Squadron RAAF made one Beaufort available as stand-by over the full moon period.

3 FSHQ co-operated with 7 Squadron RAAF on 18 June 1943 in some successful Searchlight Liaison exercises

The Beaufort form 7 Squadron RAAF was released from readiness on 25 June 1943.'

Wing Commander R. H. Cox took over as Commanding Officer of 3 FSHQ on 26 June 1943.

Captain McSwiney, Executive Officer, 237 Search Light Group USAFIA visited 3 FSHQ on 28 June 9143.

A film titled "Bomb Disposal" was shown in the Recreation Room by arrangement with Lieutenant Powell of the 1st Australian Bomb Disposal Company (Engineers) on 29 June 1943.

86 Squadron RAAF relocated to Horn Island on 30 June 943.

From 15 July 1943, a Beaufort from 7 Squadron RAAF stood by for night flying during the full moon period. On 16 July 1943, a B-25 Mitchell took part in a searchlight operation exercise with 3 FSHQ. It was airborne for 2 hours 11 minutes.

On 18 July 1943, Wing Commander H. R. Cox and Flight Lieutenant C. R. McKenny departed for Merauke on duty and Squadron Leader  R. H. Gordon assumed temporary command of 3 FSHQ. They returned from Merauke on 22 July 1943.

On 23 July 1943, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore Cobby visited 3 FSHQ to contact 26 R.D.F. by direct line from the Filter Room.

Group Captain G. E. Samson O.B.E, Operations 1 RAAF Command, visited 3 FSHQ on 3 August 1943. Captain McSwiney, 237th A.A.A. U.S.A. visited the Commanding Officer of 3 FSHQ on 5 August 1943 to discuss searchlight co-operation.

On 8 August 1943, 3 FSHQ co-operated with the Duty Pilot at Garbutt Airfield and the air rescue launch, in connection with C-47 Dakota #41-7733 VH-CCE which crashed north west of Cape Cleveland, en route to Archerfield Airfield with the loss of 27 lives.

From 12 August 1943, 7 Squadron Beaufort stood by each evening over the full moon period.

Wing Commander R. H. Cox proceeded on annual leave on 12 August 1943 and Squadron Leader R. H. Gordon assumed temporary command of 3 FSHQ. Wing Commander Cox returned from recreational leave on 26 August 1943.

On 19 August 1943 VAOC reported that a glider being towed by a DC-3 broke loose and crashed near Mackay. Later reports said that two occupants were killed and one injured. On the same night, Major MacDonald from Garbutt advised that another glider made a forced landing between Cape Upstart and Abbott Bay. 3 FSHQ co-operated in subsequent rescue operations. The glider crew were uninjured.

Wing Commander R. H. Cox visited the new bunker at Stuart on 1 September 1943 to ascertain progress of the new Sector location.

On 2 September 1943, Wing Commander Marshall and Squadron Leader Tompkins from the Directorate of Signals, Wing Commander Reid, Area Signals Officer and Squadron Leader Simmons, C.O. of No. 12 Signals Unit inspected the Signals installation of 3 FSHQ.

On 2 September 1943, 3 FSHQ co-operated with A.O.R. and No. 33 Zone Filter Centre to locate a DH-82 Tiger Moth A17-9 which had crashed 12 miles north of Iron Range. The pilot and passenger were unhurt.

Wing Commander R. H. Cox visited the new bunker at Stuart with the Naval Officer in charge North East Area on 6 September 1943.

At 1650 hours on 7 September 1943, Townsville Radar Station and Air Sea Rescue launch advised that a Catalina from Merauke, had crashed on landing in Cleveland Bay. No. 41 Squadron and the Navy were notified. Rescue operations proceeded throughout the night. There were six survivors from the 19 occupants on the Catalina.

Wing Commander R. H. Cox attended a meeting of Townsville Fortress convened to discuss Townsville Defences on 9 September 1943.

On 10 September 1943, Lieutenant Colonel Baker, Area Defence Officer and Section Officer Shelton, RAAF HQ, visited 3 FSHQ to arrange a series of lectures on Chemical Warfare for WAAAF personnel.

From Sunday 12 September 1943, No. 7 Squadron Beauforts stood by to cover the full moon period.

On 13 September 1943, Sir Ronald Cross, British High Commissioner in Australia, Lady Cross, Colonel Beattie, Captain Geddes, Group Officer Stevenson (Director WAAAFs), Squadron Officer Stark (Staff Officer WAAAF NEA), Section Officer Lowe (Public Relations Officer) visited 3 FSHQ and inspected the Operations Room and Barracks area. At 1930 hours Group Officer Stevenson (Director WAAAF) addressed WAAAF personnel of 3 FSHQ.

On 14 September 1943, Section Officer Shelton (RAAF HQ) commenced a series of Chemical Warfare lectures for WAAAF personnel.

On 15 September 1943, Captain Stephens (L.D.H.) called in to discuss local defence matters with the Commanding Officer of 3 FSHQ.

For several hours during the night of 17 September and the early morning of 18 September 1943, unusual radar plots were picked up 30 to 40 miles east of Hinchinbrook Island. There were about 100 plots and the target appeared to circle over an extended area. All attempts to identify the target failed. Under instructions from G.O.R., a Catalina went up from Cairns but there were nil sightings. Reports were made to Air Intell. and to Radar Wing. A subsequent report from Radar Wing suggested that the plots were due to a peculiar atmospheric condition which mislocated the movements of aircraft over a convoy much further east.

The Commanding Officer visited American Base Operations, Garbutt on 22 September 1943 to co-ordinate the use of bombing and gunnery ranges.

On 23 September 1943, Major Shaw discussed with the Commanding Officer, the re-installation of the Searchlight Liaison Section. A B-25 Mitchell on gunnery practice at Rattlesnake Island crashed into the sea three miles from the island on 23 September 1943 and 41 Squadron crash boat was sent out. Four personnel onboard were killed. On 24 September 1943, 41 Squadron reported that the crash boat had recovered one body and some wreckage.

Squadron Officer Stark (Staff Officer WAAAF NEA) visited 3 FSHQ on 28 September 1943.

At 0945 hours on 4 October 1943, No. 33 Z.F.C. notified 3 FSHQ that a Walrus en route Bowen to Cairns had forced landed at Cape Bowling Green Bay. No. 41 Squadron was informed and a crash launch was despatched. At 2010 hours the Walrus arrived at Townsville, towed by the crash launch. The crew were unhurt.

From 10 October 1943, a Beaufort from 7 Squadron was available on stand-by for night flying to cover the full moon period.

An inspection of WAAAF conditions at 3 FSHQ was carried out on 11 October 1943 by F/Lt Karen Thomsen Helms (267385) (Medical Officer i/c WAAAF), Squadron Officer Amy Gwendoline Stark (351010) (Staff Officer WAAAF, NEA) and F/Lt. Mason-Johnson (Medical Officer i/c WAAAF, NEA).

On 11 October 1943, at 0920 hours, the Controller on duty received a report from a pilot of B-24 #209 of a schooner sighted in a cove of Rattlesnake Island. Fiver persons were observed on the shore. A.O.R. and L.D.H. were advised and instructions were given to Garbutt Operations and American Operations to cancel any operations over Rattlesnake Island. No. 41 Squadron was advised and a crash launch was despatched. At 1610 hours N.L.O. reported that the launch carried a party of Army Surveyors from H.Q. Ingham, who were ignorant of the fact that Rattlesnake Island was used for strafing exercises. Information was passed to L.D.H. and A.O.R. for the issue of Instructions regarding areas used by aircraft for bombing and strafing.

On 15 October 1943, Lady Gowrie, Squadron Officer Miller, Squadron Officer Stark and Lieutenant Long (AWAS) inspected 3 FSHQ.

On 16 October 1943, a report was received from No. 4 VAOC that P-40 Kittyhawk A29-511 had crashed into the sea 7 miles south of West Hill Island, south of Mackay. 3 FSHQ advised A.O.R. who reported that they had the matter in hand.

On 23 October 1943 at 1930 hours, VAOC informed the Controller of a message received from Mackay Control of a B-24 Liberator which had forced landed at 1915 hours in a cane field near Sarina. There were no injuries but the aircraft was badly damaged. American Base Operations was informed.

On 27 October 1943, Group Captain Chamberlain (Director of Radar Services) with a party of American Officers from an American Fighter Sector in New Guinea, inspected the Operational Section of 3 FSHQ.

It would appear that 3 FSHQ was renamed to 103 FSHQ in October 1943.

On 6 November 1943 L.D.H. advised that a party of surveyors would arrive on Rattlesnake Island for approximately five days. The 103 FSHQ Controller put the Island out of bounds to aircraft until further notice. A.O.R. and G.O.R. and Garbutt Operations were advised.

On 10 November 1943, Squadron Leader Cooper the Commanding Officer of 80 Squadron RAAF advised that aircraft were only available during daylight hours to ensure safe daylight landings.

On 13 November 1943 at 1818 hours VAOC reported visual sightings from Castle Hill of a Catalina which had struck the breakwater when taking off and appeared to turn over on its side. A.O.R. and 41 Squadron were advised and a crash boat accompanied by a doctor went out to the Catalina. There were no serious casualties.

On 16 November 1943 103 FSHQ was notified by Headquarters, North Eastern Area, that No. 78 Wing Headquarters would be forming as a Lodger Unit at No. 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters on 24 November 1943, and was to be ready to move to Port Moresby by 1 December 1943.

On 16 November 1943, the Controller of 103 FSHQ granted permission to 80 Squadron RAAF to practice Shadow Shooting at Bowling Green Bay.

At 1800 hours on 18 November 1943, a message was received from VAOC that an aircraft had crashed at Rewan Station, Rolleston, in which 3 people were killed and one missing. A.O.R. was advised and Rockhampton Police reported having the matter in hand. As it turned out this accident was more serious than initially reported. USAAF C-47-20-DL, Dakota, VH-CGK, #42-23420 broke up in mid-air in a violent storm over Rewan Station south of Springsure (about 200 miles south west of Rockhampton, and about 400 miles south of Mackay) at 1500K hours killing the crew of four and all fifteen passengers on board

On 22 November 1943, A.O.R. sought information from the Controller of 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters regarding a single engined aircraft which had crashed 2 miles from the Alligator Creek Meat Works. The Controller notified A.O.R. and American Base Operations of an A-24 making a local flight, which seemed to be the aircraft in question. I have previously found information on an A-24 crashing on a mud flat near Garbutt Airfield on 22 November 1943. Alligator Creek Meat Works are not near Garbutt Airfield??

Rattlesnake Island was out of bounds to all aircraft from 23 November 1943 for five days, owing to a party from the 5th Field Survey Company making observations.

No. 78 Wing Headquarters formed at 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters as a Lodger Unit to Establishment HD808 on 24 November 1943.

At 0845 hours on 26 November 1943, Aeradio advised that Lodestar VH-CAB which had departed Port Moresby at 0353 hours was one hour overdue. The Controller advised A.O.R. and requested information on same from VAOC. At 1740 hours a report from the Intelligence Officer N.E.A. Headquarters, advised that Lodestar VH-CAB had crashed on take-off from Port Moresby. 12 personnel were killed and 3 were reported missing.

Squadron Officer Stark (WAAAF, NEA) called on the Commanding Officer of 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters on 27 November 1943.

The Commanding Officer of 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters visited No. 33 Zone Filter Centre at Cairns on 28 November 1943.

On 5 December 1943 at 1937 hours, the Control Tower at Garbutt Airfield advised 103 FSHQ that a CW-22B Curtiss Falcon on a local flight over the sea had called up and reported engine trouble and was going to try to land on a beach on Magnetic Island nearest to Townsville Harbour. The 103 FSHQ Controller contacted 41 Squadron and ordered a Crash Launch to proceed to Magnetic Island for rescue purposes, and advised A.O.R. and L.D.H. The Searchlight Batteries were notified and two aircraft with landing lights were sent from American Base Operations to search for the aircraft. At 2026 hours the Crash Launch advised that the Curtiss Falcon had crashed off the jetty at Arcadia on Magnetic Island. There were no casualties and no medical assistance was required.

On 6 December 1943, the Controller at 103 FSHQ notified Garbutt Operations and American Base Operations that Rattlesnake island would be out of bounds to aircraft for gunnery practice from 8th to 12th December, inclusive, owing to survey party being on the island during that time.

On 8 December 1943, A.O.R. advised that, after all incoming traffic had landed, no aircraft were to land at Garbutt Airfield between the hours of 2000L hours and 0530L hours as all runways were closed to night traffic until further notice.

At 1915 hours on 8 December 1943, an R/T test was satisfactorily carried out with stand-by Beaufort from 7 Squadron.

On 9 and 10 December 1943, searchlight Co-operation exercises were carried out for two hours with Stand-by aircraft from 7 Squadron. The Filter Room reported that the aircraft had a faulty I.F.F and 7 Squadron was notified on 10 December 1943.

On 11 December 1943, Air Vice Marshal G. Jones C.B., C.B.E., D.F.C., Chief of Air Staff, and Air Commodore J. H. Summers O.B.E., Air Officer Commanding, inspected 103 FSHQ.

On 12 December 1943, R/T Tests were carried out with the Stand-by Beaufort. The tests were unsatisfactory due to very bad interference.

On 13 December 1943, a P-40 Kittyhawk made a local flight of 1 1/4 hours for A/A Co-operation Exercises. R/T, A.O.R., L.D.H. and A.I.S. were all notified by the Controller of 103 FSHQ.

On 15 December 1943, a Beaufort from 7 Squadron RAAF, carried out a Searchlight Calibration flight for 1 1/2 hours, flying within a 2 mile radius of Cape Pallarenda. Later a similar flight took place within a 2 mile radius of the north of Ross River. L.D.H. A.I.S., and A.O.R. were notified by 103 FSHQ Controller.

On 15 December 1943, the Controller of 103 FSHQ arranged with 7 Squadron RAAF for Lieutenant Cockroft of G.O.R. to fly in an aircraft going on a Searchlight Co-operation flight at 1930 hours. An R/T Test was also carried out.

Target practice was carried out at Cordelia Rocks on 17 December 1943 by one Wirraway, one C-47 Dakota and six P-40 Kittyhawks, and straffing practice was carried out by a B-25 Mitchell. The 103 FSHQ Controller informed A.I.S., A.O.R. and L.D.H.

At 1530 hours on 17 December 1943, the Naval Liaison Officer requested information regarding the ship Wanaka which was sunk off Stanley Island approximately 30 miles due east of Coen. Through Cairns W/T and Stanley Island Radar Station, the 103 FSHQ Controller obtained information that there were ten bodies missing; and that the HMAS Colac would be leaving Cairns within an hour for Eden Reef. At 1640 hours the Controller was informed from 45 Radar Station that when Wanaka RAAF 827 was wrecked on Eden Reef there were ten drowned, and 34 survivors. Air transport was urgently requested. The Controller notified A.O.R. who stated that no aircraft were available for immediate use, but they would accept all responsibility for the rescue of the men.

At 1910 hours on 17 December 1943, a Searchlight Co-operation flight was carried out with a Beaufort from 7 Squadron RAAF. The aircraft climbed to 10,000 feet and flew within a radius of 10 miles of the Castle Hill Beacon. The Controller of 103 FSHQ advised A.O.R. and L.D.H.

At 1635 hours on 18 December 1943, the Naval Liaison Officer advised that all survivors from Wanaka RAAF 837 had arrived per Catalina and Walrus, at Cairns.

At 115 hours on 18 December 1943, a successful R/T Test was carried out with 41 Squadron's Crash Launch.

At 0945 hours on 19 December 1943, VAOC reported that an aircraft had crashed 10 miles west of Rockhampton. The Controller of 103 FSHQ passed information to A.O.R., L.D.H., and A.I.S. At 1610 hours, VAOC reported that the aircraft which had crashed was C-47 Dakota VH-CHR, which had departed Garbutt Airfield at 0710 hours and crashed 36 miles north of Rockhampton. It burst into flames in the air and six seconds later explosions were heard. Bodies were strewn over 1/2 mile and were very hard to identify. Of the 31 passengers and crew there were no survivors. The Controller of 103 FSHQ advised A.O.R.

At 0925 hours on 20 December 1943, 41 Squadron RAAF advised that their Marine Section had sighted a 20 foot boat with a very bad list, off Cape Pallarenda. The mast of the boat appeared to be practically in the water. The Controller of 103 FSHQ sought further information from Coastal Artillery and advised the Naval Liaison Officer and A.O.R. 41 Squadron's Crash Launch was despatched and contacted 103 FSHQ by R/T. They found the boat had been in difficulties with engine trouble.

At 1330 hours on 28 December 1943, American Base Operations advised that they were making a search for a missing P-38 Lightning and they gave the Controller at 3 FSHQ the full particulars. The Controller requested 41 Squadron's Crash Launch to be on stand-by in case of an emergency. At 1345 hours, the Control Tower at Garbutt Airfield, advised that they had received a report that the missing aircraft was seen north of Woodstock at 1045 hours and that it had burst into flames and the pilot bailed out. A report from A.O.R. advised that the aircraft was seen to crash in flames 15 miles south of Giru. By 1700 hours the pilot had not been found and the Controller advised American Base Operations to contact Giru Police Station and have a search party organised.

At 1305 hours on 29 December 1943, American Base Operations rang 103 FSHQ requesting information regarding an aircraft reported as having crashed five miles south of Hinchinbrook Island. The Controller at 103 FSHQ contacted A.O.R. who advised that an American aircraft and bodies had been found five miles south of Hinchinbrook Island by natives, and that Police were investigating the report. On 29 December 1943, the 103 FSHQ Controller granted permission for a B-25 Mitchell to carry out bombing practice over Rattlesnake Island, for one hour's duration.

On 4 January 1944, the Commanding Officer of 80 Squadron RAAF advised the Controller of 103 FSHQ of his intention to carry out a fuel consumption test in a P-40 Kittyhawk and he requested that, as his aircraft was fitted with Mark III I.F.F., that the Radar Stations should carry out a practice with their new equipment. The Radar Stations carried out his suggestion.

On 5 January 1944, Rattlesnake Island was place d out of bounds for bombing and gunnery practice from 11 January 1944 until 21 January 1944, due to a Field Survey party being located on the Island during that time.

On 8 January 1944, searchlight practice was carried out from Cape Pallarenda Area for training purposes.

On 10 January 1944, two aircraft from Charters Towers proceeded to Cordelia Rocks to drop Sand Bombs (100 lbs). As the bombs had no explosive charge, special permission was granted by the Controller.

On 11 January 1944, G.O.R. co-operated with Garbutt Operations when a searchlight was exposed to illuminate the top of Castle Hill in order to guide several aircraft on local and travel flights. The town power supply had failed and the normal beacon could not be used.

On 11 January 1944, the Direction Finding Station reported a First Class distress signal and gave the bearing. The Controller advised A.O.R. who had no available aircraft to send on investigations, but the Controller advised of a Walrus in the harbour and a Catalina on a local flight, both of which A.O.R. stated they would endeavour to send out.

On 14 January 1944, L.D.H. advised of bombing practice to be carried out on North Island, 20 miles E.N.E. of Cardwell between 18 January 1944 and 18 February 1944. A.O.R., G.O.R. and N.L.O. were all advised.

On 15 January 1944, A.I.S. advised that Douglas Skytrain #949 which left Archerfield for Garbutt was overdue. A.O.R. and V.A.O.C. were advised and Aeradio was requested to endeavour to contact the aircraft.

On 18 January 1944, target practice was carried out 14 miles east of Magnetic Island by C-47 which carried the target, and 2 P-47 Thunderbolts, a P-40 Warhawk and a P-38 Lightning firing on the target. N.L.O., A.O.R. and L.D.H. were all advised by the 103 FSHQ Controller.

On 19 January 1944, Coast Artillery Firing practices took place for 2 hours and the 103 FSHQ Controller advised L.D.H. of the danger area, prohibited to aircraft during that time.

On 19 January 1944, Cairns reported an unidentified aircraft over Sydney Island and the Mitchell River area and later, approaching Mornington Island from the West and the North. The 103 FSHQ Controller passed a message to Karumba Operations regarding aircraft movement in the Gulf of Carpentaria and urgently requested information. No information was available.

On 19 January 1944, A.O.R. advised that two Bostons which had departed Townsville for Port Moresby via Horn Island were long overdue, having been last sighted flying over Cooktown. No further information had been received regarding them. The 103 FSHQ Controller advised that no landing signals were received on these two aircraft.

At 1125 hours on 20 January 1944, A.O.R. advised that Batchelor Airfield had picked up an SOS signal in triplicate, bearing South of Horn Island. In view of the missing Bostons which were enroute to Horn Island, the 103 FSHQ Controller notified Garbutt Operations and requested them to contact Coen, Iron Range, Jacky Jacky and Horn Island by W/T, and requested that all North and Southbound aircraft should keep a sharp lookout for the two aircraft.

At 1654 hours on 20 January 1944, Charters Towers advised that Wirraway #443 which had departed Garbutt Airfield was two hours overdue. The 103 FSHQ Controller informed Garbutt and American Operations who advised they would pass through any information available. At 1740 hours Charters Towers informed the 103 FSHQ Controller that Wirraway #443 had made an emergency landing and had been unable to contact Charters Towers.

On 21 January 1944, Rattlesnake Island was placed out of bounds until further notice owing to a Field Survey Party remaining on the Island for a further period.

On 23 January 1944, A.O.R. advised that a Beaufort had left Horn Island yesterday in search of the two missing Bostons which had left Garbutt Airfield for Port Moresby via Horn Island, but reported Nil sightings.

On 25 January 1944, Charters Towers advised that three B-24 Liberators would be doing formation bombing at Arab Reef for 3 hours. A.I.S., L.D.H. and A.O.R. were all informed.

On 24 January 1944, Squadron Leader Hutchins of D.G.M.S. Staff, visited and inspected WAAAF Barracks and accommodation of 103 FSHQ.

At 1715 hours on 27 January 1944, the first three tests were carried out with No. 57 Radar Station.

On 27 January 1944, 103 FSHQ co-operated with Aeradio, Garbutt in endeavoring to locate Rapide VH-ADE which had left Cooktown for Iron Range and was long overdue. The aircraft had been in touch with Aeradion but messages had broken off and nothing further had been received. A VAOC sighting was reported through Cairns of an aircraft, believed to be the Rapide, 90 miles north of Cooktown.

At 1100 hours on 28 January 1944, Aeradio advised that Rapide VH-ADE had been located by a Catalina, 13 miles south of Cape Sidmouth, in the sea.

The 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters Operations Record Book states that at 1430 hours on 29 January 1944, A.O.R. advised that the two Bostons that were missing since 19 January 1944 had crash landed on Mornington Island (sic. it was actually Bountiful Island to the east of Mornington Island) and the survivors had been picked up from Karumba. This indicated that the aircraft which had been sighted on 19 January over Mitchell River Area were apparently the two Bostons. Due to the fact that the aircraft had previously been sighted north of Cooktown and were later so far from the recognised track, no connection between the tracks and the missing Bostons could be anticipated. Cairn and the Observer at Mitchell River were advised of the facts.

103 FSHQ was advised on 30 January 1944, that the bombing and gunnery restrictions imposed on Rattlesnake Island had been lifted.

On 4 February 1944, A.O.R. advised that owing to the shortage of aircraft at Horn Island, no Stand-by aircraft could be made available to 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters until further notice.

On 5 February 1944, an Anson carrying out a Calibration Test Flight, advised by R/T, of having engine trouble 20 miles out to sea. 41 Squadron's Crash Launch was ordered by the Controller of 103 FSHQ to stand-by, but the Anson later advised that it could make the coast and requested the Controller to instruct Garbutt to clear the runway.

On 7 February 1944, Zone Filter Centre, Cairns advised of an anti-aircraft shooting practice to be carried out, and requested information regarding a civil aircraft en route to Cairns. The Controller supplied the information and the shooting practice was delayed until the aircraft landed at Cairns.

On 7 February 1944, the Controller of 103 FSHQ discussed with the Commanding Officer of 80 Squadron, details of G.C.I. Interception to be carried out on 8 February 1944. Treefern Radar Station was contacted and arrangements were made for an R/T Test, and all telephonic and radio extensions were tested and made serviceable where required. 41 Squadron was advised, and a successful R/T Test was carried out.

At 0857 hours on 8 February 1944, a G.C.I. Interception Test commenced with 80 Squadron but 30 minutes later aircraft were instructed to return to base. The Test was unsuccessful due to no plots being received on target from Radar Stations and R/T communication with Treefern was a failure. An hour later six aircraft were airborne for further test but advised they were returning to base owing to heavy cloud conditions.

On 8 February 1944, Air Commodore Summers, Air Officer Commanding, and Squadron Officer Miller, Staff Officer WAAAF, N.E.A. visited and inspected WAAAF Barracks at 103 FSHQ.

On 9 February 1944, 78 Wing Headquarters, which had formed as a lodger unit at No. 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters, embarked for their new location.

On 9 February 1944, the pilot of an Anson communicated the full particulars of a Calibration Test Flight to the Controller of 3 FSHQ, before taking off. Due to weather conditions, the test could not be completed.

On 10 February 1944, Garbutt Operations requested information regarding a Vultee Vengeance which had departed Charleville on a travel flight to Wards Airfield in New Guinea. The Controller of 103 FSHQ received information on the aircraft from Mackay VAOC who reported that the aircraft was forced down 17 miles from Barcaldine. The undercarriage had collapsed. The crew and passengers were reported to be unhurt. An aircraft was despatched from Charleville to pick up the personnel.

On 13 February 1944, Garbutt Operations reported that a Dragon A34-21 was 36 minutes overdue, but the 103 FSHQ Controller received information that the aircraft had landed at Innisfail and was refuelling and continuing its journey when the weather permitted.

On 13 February 1944, the Controller of 103 FSHQ was advised that Cloncurry Airfield was opened and in fair condition and that Longreach Airfield was closed until further notice.

On 14 February 1944, the Controller of 103 FSHQ granted permission to a C-47 to come in direct without using the Lane of Entry, owing to the aircraft having engine trouble. G.O.R. and R.L.O. were advised and the pilot advised, through Aeradio, that he could now make the base.

On 16 February 1944, a District Court Martial was assembled at 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters to try LAC Vincent Burgoyne (44719) of 103 FSHQ under A.F.O. Section 41, for committing a Civil Offence, that is to say, common assault by maliciously stabbing Sergeant Clyde Alwyn McInnes (77597), with a bayonet. He was awarded 21 days Field Punishment in addition to 4 days under Close Arrest and he forfeited pay and allowances from 9 to 12 February 1944. Interesting to note that McInnes was demoted down to a Corporal when he was discharged from Headquarters Service Police Unit on 29 April 1946.

On 16 February 1944, the Controller of 103 FSHQ received advice that Darwin and Amberley Airfields were open for night landings. Permission was granted by American Base Operations for canopy practice to be carried out at night by Searchlight Batteries, providing Base Operations were first notified and no aircraft were about to land.

At 0120 hours on 17 February 1944, two searchlights were trained on cloud parallel facing seawards either side of Magnetic Island at the request of Base Operations, Garbutt to assist in take-off of a C-54.

On 20 February 1944, 80 Squadron departed at 1100 hours en route to Horn Island, and a close R/T Watch was kept.

On 21 February 1944, requests from Garbutt Operations to expose searchlights at various points for the purpose of incoming aircraft from the south, were complied with through the Searchlight Liaison Officer. Following a request from Aeradio, the position of a DC-2 having a faulty radio was communicated to Aeradio until the aircraft reached Cairns.

On 23 February 1944, searchlight co-operation was carried out with Base Operations, Garbutt, to assist the landing of incoming aircraft.

On 25 February 1944, VAOC reported sighting from Castle Hill of an aircraft which crashed in flames one mile N.E. of Townsville cemetery. American Base Operations informed the Controller of 103 FSHQ that it was a P-38 Lightning. A.O.R. was advised. 1st Lt. Robert Q. Cordell was testing P-38J Lightning #42-103994 when he lost an engine which he feathered. Whilst coming around for an emergency landing at Garbutt Airfield, the other engine failed, causing the P-38J Lightning to crash to the ground from around 400 feet. 1st Lt. Robert Q. Cordell was tragically killed in this unfortunate accident.

On 27 February 1944, VAOC advised that a Curtiss Falcon was forced down through bad weather conditions at Innisfail and would stay overnight at Innisfail. The aircraft was en route to Cairns from Archerfield. Base Operations was notified.

On 28 February 1944, a Vultee Vengeance carried out an Army Co-operation Test Flight in the Bluewater Creek area for three hours.

On 28 February 1944, reports of distress signals which were picked up by radio and the position of flares sighted, were received from aircraft travelling from New Caledonia. Owing to lack of petrol the aircraft was unable to search the area for long. Reports were also received from an American tanker en route Townsville to Cairns, and another vessel reported that a twin engined aircraft crashed into the sea and exploded, and gave position. A.O.R. was advised and a Catalina despatched from Cairns to search the area around Marion Reef. Later N.O.I.C. advised that S.S. Sarpen picked up three American bodies from aircraft which crashed into the sea. American Base Operations was informed and requested to board the vessel for identification purposes, and to establish the identity of the missing aircraft. The only aircraft crash that I have on that date is the crash of a B-24 Liberator #42-100292 of the 33rd Bomb Squadron, 22nd Bomb Group which crashed into the sea near Innisfail with the death of fifteen crew and passengers. Three bodies were picked up by a freighter at 17.30 S, 146.10 E about 9.3 miles east of Innisfail, which seems to line up with the 103 FSHQ ORB records except that a B-24 is a four engined aircraft.

Around February/March 1944, No. 103 Fighter Sector Headquarters changed its title to No. 103 Fighter Control Unit.

On 12 March 1944, Base Operations advised that C-47 Dakota VH-CGX was endeavouring to find Garbutt Airfield and requested that the searchlights be turned on. The aircraft landed safely at Garbutt Airfield.

On 13 March 1944, L.D.H. advised pf a shoot to seaward at close range weapons from surface vessel to be carried out in the vicinity 19 deg. 8S, 147 deg E. A.O.R. was advised. C-47 Dakota VH-CKB from Groote Eylandt experienced difficulty in finding Garbutt Airfield. Aeradio contacted the aircraft and after some difficulty brought it in on bearings, until picked up by searchlights from Magnetic Island. The Crash Boat stood by in the event of a forced landing and the Senior Signals Officer at No. 12 Signals Unit assisted in bringing the aircraft in. The aircraft landed safely at Garbutt Airfield.

On 15 March 1944, the third anniversary of the formation of the Women's Australian Auxiliary Air Force WAAAF, there was a march past by the WAAAF members of 103 FCU, the salute being taken by the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander R. H. Cox A.F.C. This was followed by a church service. In the evening, the airwomen entertained their friends at a buffet tea which was followed by a dance. During the evening, Group Captain Charlton, S.A.O. of North Eastern Area, and Squadron Officer Miller, the Staff Officer of WAAAF North Eastern Area, visited the unit and addressed the airwomen.

On 17 March 1944, searchlight practice was carried out between 2030 hours and 2130 hours.

On 20 March 1944, a P-40 Kittyhawk was airborne for a test flight within a radius of 100 miles in an exercise with No. 136 Radar Station. The exercise failed owing to the lack of trained personnel at No. 136 Radar Station.

On 21 March 1944, A.O.R. advised that they had received a message from the RAAF unit at Fanning that an aircraft was seen to crash 22 miles this side of Charters Towers and 30 miles south of Fanning Railway Station and that a party had set out to investigate. Information was later received that the aircraft was a Beaufort which had caught fire and crashed. Three men were rescued and taken to hospital, two others had wandered away badly burnt. This was the crash of Beaufort Mark VIII, A9-452 of 13 Aircraft Repair Depot which crashed at 1315 hours E.A.S.T. on 21 March 1944, five miles SE of Fanning Airfield. The pilot and two passengers died of their injuries over the next two days. The Navigator suffered serious injuries and another passenger was slightly injured.

On 26 March 1944, C-47 Dakota VH-CHC requested searchlights to enable the aircraft to land. Searchlights were exposed and the aircraft landed safely.

Due to bad weather conditions in Townsville on 27 and 28 March 19444, the tents accommodation personnel of No. 57 Radar Station, were severely damaged and these personnel were quartered at No. 103 Fighter Control Unit on the night of 27 March 1944. Garbutt Airfield was closed on 28 March 1944 due to bad weather conditions. On 28 March 1944, Garbutt Weather Station advised that the centre of a Cyclone was expected to cross the coast near Townsville with heavy squalls and rain and gale force winds expected throughout the area.

On 6 April 1944, Castle Hill reported that the Beacon was shorting very badly and that blue flames were issuing from the beacon. Garbutt Operations was advised and the necessary action taken.

On 7 April 1944 Aeradio advised of a report from the Cooktown Post Office that an aircraft was in distress 100 miles south of Fairview. Cairns was contacted immediately as was A.O.R., who later reported that the aircraft in question was a Boomerang from Mareeba, on a low flying recce.

On 8 April 1944, at the request of Garbutt Operations an R/T Listening Watch was kept when a Kittyhawk, piloted by Squadron Leader Whiting proceeded to Amberley Airfield.

On 10 April 1944, a message was received from the pilot of a C-47 Dakota saying he was about to ditch his aircraft on the west side of Magnetic Island. 41 Squadron's Crash Boat was ordered to proceed to Bay Rock. Ten minutes later a Lockheed advised that the C-47 was seen to crash land in three or four feet of water, 100 yards from the shore south of West Point. The Crash Boat was subsequently ordered to proceed to West Point and later reported that all survivors were picked up and medical attention was not required.

On 11 April 1944, permission was granted to the S.C.O. on duty for six searchlights to be exposed for one hour's duration.

On 13 April 1944, RAAF Garbutt was advised by American Operations that a report had been received that an aircraft was down at Kangaroo Dump. Enquiries were made as to the location of Kangaroo Dump and it was later ascertained to be on the main highway five miles from Rollingstone. American Operations advised that they presumed the aircraft to be B-24 Liberator #483 which had been missing for sometime and had been considered lost at sea. They later advised that the aircraft had crashed into the side of a mountain and the crew were all killed. This account in the 103 Fighter Control Unit Operations Record Book is referring to the crash of B-24 Liberator #42-73483 "Pickled Peach" which crashed into a small hill near Leichhardt Creek back on the 28 March 1944 during bad weather associated with a cyclone killing all seven crew members.

On 20 April 1944, an R/T Listening Watch was kept at the request of 41 Squadron while their Dornier carried out Air Sea Rescue work using their Crash Boat. On the same day permission was granted for searchlights to expose 15 lights for two hours. During that time a Verey Light being fired from the ground in the Garbutt area was reported and the Controller at 103 Fighter Control Unit advised the Control Tower at Garbutt Airfield, who stated that a C-47 Dakota was investigating.

On 28 April 1944, Flight Lieutenant H. J. Manual RAAF Command, inspected 103 FCU and discussed the proposed reorganisation of Fighter Control Units with the Commanding Officer.

On 29 April 1944, an R/T Listening Watch was kept on a Beaufort and Kittyhawk which left Garbutt Airfield for Higgins Field.

It was renamed to 103 Fighter Control Unit (103 FCU) on 7 March 1944.

Grammar School to the rear of and the right of the Sports Reserve in September 1945.

Parade Ground for North East Area HQ at the Grammar School
in 1945 with Castle Hill in the background

A larger version of the above photo.
Click on thumbnail to enlarge

Lesley Bingham (nee Rowe) started work in the Radar Plotting Section in Townsville on 10 November 1942 and was attached to 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters. Lesley lived in the WAAAF Barracks at St. Anne's Church of England Girls school near the central city area of Townsville. She was eventually transferred to Sandgate in 1944 and was married in that year. Lesley obtained her Corporal stripes before the war ended. Lesley was in Townsville when it was bombed by the Japanese. She remembers the fun they all had while they were in Townsville and that the Yanks were very generous with their cigarettes and their money!!

Grammar School with Castle Hill in the background

3 Fighter Sector HQ at Stuart was a full integrated camp site with its own power house, barracks, kitchens,
 septic system and recreation hall. There were as many as 62 different buildings in 3FSHQ.

Click here to view a much larger copy (272Kbytes) of the above photograph

Kristy, Jake and Vicki Stanfield inside 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters Bunker in June 2003.

A long concrete slab on the side of a hill with the 3FSHQ in the background in June 2003.

Jake Stanfield on the same long concrete slab, June 2003.

Another concrete slab in the foreground with the
main 3FSHQ bunker in the background, June 2003

Yet another one of the many slabs remaining in the area, June 2003

Kristy Stanfield on another slab in the foreground with
the 3FSHQ bunker in the background, June 2003.

Construction of a more fortified headquarters near the base of a hill at Stuart in Townsville commenced in 1942. It is on the side of a hill near Mount Stuart, on the west side of the road to Charters Towers. It can still be seen today on the hill on the opposite side of Stuart Drive to the Stuart Shopping centre.

3 Fighter Sector Headquarters at Stuart. Charters Towers road
can be seen at top right hand side of the photograph.

This site finally became fully operational on 20 December 1944. The main operations building was made of 12 inch thick re-inforced concrete designed to withstand a direct bomb hit. It had a mezzanine floor and was air-conditioned. There were other fortifications in Townsville and the rest of Australia that were also air-conditioned such as the Green Street bunker at West End in Townsville and the Ramsay Street bunker at Garbutt in Townsville..

3 Fighter Sector Headquarters comprised 32 rooms in the large rectangular concrete building with caneite partitions forming various passageways. The building still stands today and is 60 ft X 42 ft. The mezzanine floor has long since disappeared.

The role of the Fighter Sector Headquarters was to co-ordinate all of the intelligence information from the various D/F stations and VAOC posts, decide on the most appropriate response and then advise the appropriate fighter or bomber squadrons to respond. 3FSHQ was in telephone and radio contact with all of the anti-aircraft, searchlight, RDF and HF/DF stations in the Townsville area. All air raid warnings were initiated from this bunker by red, yellow and white flares.

103 FCU in Townsville was converted to and established as "Air Defence Headquarters, Townsville" on 21 January 1945, to Establishment HD-833 and became a separate Air Force unit within the command of North-Eastern Area.

No. 4 Volunteer Air Observer Corps 4 VAOC ceased to be a separate unit and was incorporated into Air Defence Headquarters, Townsville as a section of that unit.

Nos 26 (Cape Cleveland), 27 (Dunk Island), 28 (Cairns), 53 (Mount Surprise), 55 (Bowen), 57 (Townsville), 58 (Paluma), 136 (Alligator River) and 211 (Home Hill) Radar Stations ceased to operate as separate units and were incorporated into Air Defence Headquarters, Townsville as sections of that unit. No 45 Radar Station was withdrawn to Pitt Town, NSW for conversion to type L.W/G.C.I. and came under the command of Eastern Area.

Modern day use of the site has apparently been hindered by the presence of old tunnels that were in use during WW2.

HERITAGE REGISTER LISTING

Was the Officers, sergeants and airmens camp
at Landsborough Street, North Ward the camp for
3FSHQ at the Grammar School in North Ward?

Did you serve at 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters
at the Grammar School or at Stuart in Townsville?

If you did, I'd like to hear from you

A typical RAAF Fighter Sector Headquarters

WWII Bunker Tour of Townsville

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Di Bingham, Daniel Hultgren, Ray Holyoak and Kevin Parkes of Townsville for their assistance with this home page.

REFERENCES

"The North Queensland Line - The Defence of Townsville in 1942"
by Ray Holyoak, 1998

National Archives Australia References:-

WWII Bunker Tour of Townsville

WW2 Bunkers & Fortifications in the Townsville area

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 5 July 2000
This page last updated 09 August 2023