- RAAF Station Schofields
RAAF Station Schofields was a
aerodrome built by theRoyal Australian Air Force (RAAF) between1942 -1944 atSchofields, New South Wales ,Australia duringWorld War II .The aerodrome was constructed for use as a satellite aerodrome for
RAAF Base Richmond . Identified as a base theRoyal Navy 'sFleet Air Arm of theBritish Pacific Fleet on5 February 1945 and commissioned asHMS Nabthorpe , later renamedHMS Nabstock . HMS Nabstock was decommissioned on9 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 January1952 , 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 andRAAF Base Williamtown .Commissioned as
HMAS Nirimba on1 April 1953 as a joint RANARY and technical training establishment for RAN Fleet Air Arm. HMAS Nirimba decommissioned on25 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 on8 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]
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