Gorrie Airfield

Gorrie Airfield was a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airfield, 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Larrimah, Northern Territory, Australia during World War II.

The airfield was named after South Australian airman Peter C Gorrie (1918-1942), who died in RAAF service with No 2 Squadron on 12 January 1942, flying from Burus Island against a Japanese fleet which was landing troops at Menado, North Celebes Island; his Hudson bomber was shot down over Kema Bay, one of four 2 Squadron Hudsons lost in that mission.

The establishment at Gorrie comprised over 6,000 RAAF personnel responsible for aircraft and vehicle maintenance for the RAAF and United States Army Air Forces. A large petrol storage and bomb dump were constructed as part of the airfield. The remains of the runway and many of the buildings and structures are still visible.

Units based at Gorrie Airfield

• No. 9 Stores Depot (RAAF)
• No. 14 Aircraft Repair Depot (RAAF)
• No. 18 Replenishing Centre (RAAF)
• No. 55 Operational Base Unit (RAAF)

See also

• List of airports in the Northern Territory

References

Bibliography

• Historic Sites - Attractions
• OzatWar website
• Murray Pioneer, Thursday 21 March 1943 and Thursday 30 March 1944