RAAF Station Schofields

RAAF Station Schofields was a aerodrome built by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) between 1942-1944 at Schofields, New South Wales, Australia during World War II.

The aerodrome was constructed for use as a satellite aerodrome for RAAF Base Richmond. Identified as a base the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm of the British Pacific Fleet on 5 February 1945 and commissioned as HMS Nabthorpe, later renamed HMS Nabstock. HMS Nabstock was decommissioned on 9 June 1946 and the aerodrome was returned to RAAF control.

In 1949 part of the aerodrome was utilised to to house migrants, some 21 huts being outfitted as accommodation for 300 people, known as Schofields Migrant Hostel. the migrant hostel closed on 4 February 1951.

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) opened a RAN Aircraft Repair Yard (RANARY), following the formation of the RAN Fleet Air Arm at the aerodrome in 1951, and was known as HMAS ALBATROSS II, RANARY Schofields. In January 1952, the RAAF transferred control of the base to the RAN, however the RAAF remained in residence until leaving in September 1952. The RAAF transport and fighter units moved to the larger bases at RAAF Base Richmond and RAAF Base Williamtown.

Commissioned as HMAS Nirimba on 1 April 1953 as a joint RANARY and technical training establishment for RAN Fleet Air Arm. HMAS Nirimba decommissioned on 25 February 1994. The aerodrome at Schofields had been operating as a civil field for many years until it too finally closed to flying in 1994. It was the venue of Australia’s first international Air Show on 8 November 1977, the Schofields Jubilee Air Show attracting up to 300 aircraft, and exhibits from around the world.

Schofields, now titled Schofields Defence Depot, was used as a rehearsal ground for the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games held in Sydney. A Wall & Rose Garden Memorial to the Armed forces that have occupied the area in the past has been dedicated on the site and a Commemorative Plaque was erected on the site by The Naval Historical Society of Australia.

The aerodrome is now disused and has recently been up for sale.

References
* [http://blacktown.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/wartime-strip-for-sale/773203.aspx Blacktown - Aerodrome for sale]
* [http://www.btinternet.com/~faahistoryweb/Nabthorpe_BGRD.htm Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm history]