Caversham Airfield

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Caversham Airfield, also known as Middle Swan Airfield was an airfield constructed at Caversham, Western Australia during World War II as a parent aerodrome for the United States Fleet Air Arm of the 7th Fleet.

The airfield had a triangle of three landing strips.[1]

Middle Swan was the parent airfield with the following satellite airfields:-

  • Beverley
  • Bindoon
  • Gin Gin North
  • Mooliabeenee

The United States Army Air Corps also utilised the airfield during World War II.

It was also a gliding club location after the war.

The airfield was later utilised as a Motor Racing circuit. It became Western Australia's premier motor racing venue, hosting the Australian Grand Prix in 1957 and 1962 and the Six Hour Le Mans endurance race from 1955 to 1968. Racing activities ceased when the airfield was re-actived as a military facility and Western Australian racing shifted to Wanneroo Raceway.

[edit] References

  1. ^ OzatWar Website

[edit] Further information

  • Lance Muir, Richard Duckworth, N. Hyde, (1946?) Flight without power - the art in Australia [videorecording]1 videocassette (VHS) (12 min., 2 sec.) : si., col. with b&w sequences ; 1/2 in. PAL format [State Film Archives collection] Showing the activities of gliding clubs in the various Australian states. Shows local enthusiast, Ric New, and activities at the bases of operations at Lake Pinjar (Pinjar Soaring Club), West Subiaco (WA Flying Club) and Caversham (Perth Gliding Club) in 1941 and 1946. WA segment is appr. 3 mins.