Learmonth Airport
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Learmonth Airport
This was recently posted on Qrewroom by a Skipper for whom I have a great deal of respect. I've posted it here because it may be of great interest to many PPRUNE contributors.
Gday
The Exmouth Shire Council is proposing the commercial side of the Learmonth Airport be renamed Ningaloo Airport. The proposal is to leave the RAAF Base as Learmonth however the RAAF Base is a “bare base” that is rarely used and maintained on a caretaker basis. The commercial side is the one in constant use. The name Learmonth would inevitably disappear from everyday use.
Given the aviation history behind the naming of Learmonth Airport in honour of Wing Commander Charles Learmonth you may wish to send a brief email to The Shire of Exmouth CEO via the link below.
I received the following via the RAAF Association in WA giving some insight into the naming of Learmonth Airport. The link below to the Exmouth Shire Council website and scrolling to page 76 of the current agenda doc provides more detail and an interesting read of Charles Page’s full submission.
Regards
Mike
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles R Page
Aviation and Historical Writer
16 Whitecliffe Square, Iluka, 6028, Western Australia
Tel: (08) 9304 1656 Fax: (08) 9304 0856 Mbl: 0417 966 974 Email: [email protected]
To all concerned,
The Shire of Exmouth, WA is proposing to change the name Learmonth Airport to Ningaloo Airport. This airport was named after Charles Learmonth, the subject of the book Wings of Destiny by Charles Page, publ Rosenberg, April 2008. Further information on Charles Learmonth is provided below. I am hoping that if we gain enough support we can prevent this name change. A simple letter or email to the Shire CEO would be most effective, as they have to add this to the file. Also if you could forward this email on to anyone you think might be of assistance. If you can help in this way, it would be most appreciated, and could you please cc to my email [email protected]. so we have an independent record. Contacts as follows:
CEO, Mr P. Anastasakis
Shire of Exmouth
PO Box 21
Exmouth
WA 6707
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/about_our_council/agenda/
More info on Learmonth, p76 of the Dec 2007 agenda
Kind Regards, Charles Page
Wing Commander Charles Learmonth DFC and Bar
Charles Learmonth was killed on 6th January 1944, when his Beaufort bomber crashed into the sea, some 18 miles north-west of Rottnest Island, WA. The accident was caused by a jammed tail trim, which forced the aircraft into a fatal nose dive. Charles Learmonth calmly described the condition over the radio, and the cause of the many Beaufort crashes was corrected, thus saving many lives.
At the time of his death, Charles Learmonth was C.O. of No.14 Squadron, based at Pearce. He had previously flown with the squadron in the search for HMAS Sydney in November 1941. In 1942 he married Perth girl, Marjorie Chapple. He became a well known flyer in New Guinea, where he flew the Boston attack bomber She’s Apples, took part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, and rose to command No.22 Squadron. Charles’ DFC Bar citation stated: ‘He has displayed tactical ability amounting to genius’.
Official Naming of Learmonth Airport
Learmonth Airport was in fact officially named. In 1942, a forward USN submarine base was established at Exmouth Gulf, and named Potshot. However, it proved vulnerable to Japanese air raids, and was mainly used as a refuelling point for submarines based at Fremantle and Albany. The base was bombed by the Japanese in May and September 1943. The first runway was unofficially constructed in March 1943 by Bluey Truscott’s No.76 Squadron, with the use of USN equipment. The airfield was later used by the Boomerangs and Spitfires of No.85 Squadron, and as a staging base for medium and heavy bombers, including the Liberators of No.25 Squadron.
On 7th July 1944, the RAAF Western Area AOC, Air Commodore Ray Brownell, recommended naming a landing strip in Northern Australia in honour of Wing Commander Charles Learmonth DFC and Bar. Brownell declared, ‘I have always had the greatest personal regard and affection for Charles — owing perhaps to the many outstanding qualities he possessed, such as his sincerity, loyalty and ability ... his fellow officers and men have always idolised and loved him.’
On 19th July 1944, the request to change the airfield’s name was approved by the Air Board and HQ Allied Air Forces, who directed that Potshot, Exmouth Gulf, be renamed Learmonth.
On 22nd August 1944, the name change to Learmonth was officially promulgated in RAAF Memorandum 551. The West Australian commented, ‘It preserves the memory of an heroic and fearless young airman, who while diving to certain death at Perth’s doorstep, coolly sent out vital information over the radio that probably saved the lives of scores of other airmen.’
Learmonth Airport Dedications
Marjorie Learmonth married Dr. Leslie Le Souef in 1947, and in 1956 the two drove north to Exmouth Gulf and visited Learmonth airfield. In 1970, the main runway at Learmonth was extended from 7,000 to10,000 feet. The lengthened runway was officially opened on 15th December 1972 by Air Commodore Fred Robey, who had flown with Charles in 1940. Marjorie and Leslie were flown up in a RAAF Dakota, and after the ceremony and parade, Marjorie unveiled a memorial cairn to Charles Learmonth at the north end of the airfield.
Then in 1987, Harry Craig, who had flown with Charles in New Guinea, passed through the terminal at Learmonth and was surprised to find no explanation as to why the airfield was so named. He suggested to Harold Rowell, of No.22 Squadron Association, that a memorial plaque be placed inside the civil terminal building.
The plaque was first unveiled in Perth, by Marjorie Le Souef on 9th May 1988, at the Air Force Memorial Estate, Bull Creek, Perth. The ceremony was attended by 250 people, and addressed by Harold Rowell, and Air Marshal Sir Valston Hancock, who said of Charles, ‘His name is already written into our history with the naming of Learmonth International Airport, but something more than that is needed as a record to indicate to future generations why an important airport bears Charles’ name … It is people like Charles Learmonth who provide a firm foundation for our future, and whose example will serve to inspire our young to great achievement.’
The plaque was later installed on a wall at the entrance to the civil terminal at Learmonth. On Tuesday 17th May 1988, Marjorie and Leslie Le Souef, and a party from No.22 Squadron Association flew from Perth to Learmonth for the dedication. A new Award winning terminalwas opened by Hon. Hendy Cowan MLA on 3rd December 1999. The plaque was re-installed inside the new terminal.
Charles R. Page.
The Exmouth Shire Council is proposing the commercial side of the Learmonth Airport be renamed Ningaloo Airport. The proposal is to leave the RAAF Base as Learmonth however the RAAF Base is a “bare base” that is rarely used and maintained on a caretaker basis. The commercial side is the one in constant use. The name Learmonth would inevitably disappear from everyday use.
Given the aviation history behind the naming of Learmonth Airport in honour of Wing Commander Charles Learmonth you may wish to send a brief email to The Shire of Exmouth CEO via the link below.
I received the following via the RAAF Association in WA giving some insight into the naming of Learmonth Airport. The link below to the Exmouth Shire Council website and scrolling to page 76 of the current agenda doc provides more detail and an interesting read of Charles Page’s full submission.
Regards
Mike
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles R Page
Aviation and Historical Writer
16 Whitecliffe Square, Iluka, 6028, Western Australia
Tel: (08) 9304 1656 Fax: (08) 9304 0856 Mbl: 0417 966 974 Email: [email protected]
To all concerned,
The Shire of Exmouth, WA is proposing to change the name Learmonth Airport to Ningaloo Airport. This airport was named after Charles Learmonth, the subject of the book Wings of Destiny by Charles Page, publ Rosenberg, April 2008. Further information on Charles Learmonth is provided below. I am hoping that if we gain enough support we can prevent this name change. A simple letter or email to the Shire CEO would be most effective, as they have to add this to the file. Also if you could forward this email on to anyone you think might be of assistance. If you can help in this way, it would be most appreciated, and could you please cc to my email [email protected]. so we have an independent record. Contacts as follows:
CEO, Mr P. Anastasakis
Shire of Exmouth
PO Box 21
Exmouth
WA 6707
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/about_our_council/agenda/
More info on Learmonth, p76 of the Dec 2007 agenda
Kind Regards, Charles Page
Wing Commander Charles Learmonth DFC and Bar
Charles Learmonth was killed on 6th January 1944, when his Beaufort bomber crashed into the sea, some 18 miles north-west of Rottnest Island, WA. The accident was caused by a jammed tail trim, which forced the aircraft into a fatal nose dive. Charles Learmonth calmly described the condition over the radio, and the cause of the many Beaufort crashes was corrected, thus saving many lives.
At the time of his death, Charles Learmonth was C.O. of No.14 Squadron, based at Pearce. He had previously flown with the squadron in the search for HMAS Sydney in November 1941. In 1942 he married Perth girl, Marjorie Chapple. He became a well known flyer in New Guinea, where he flew the Boston attack bomber She’s Apples, took part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, and rose to command No.22 Squadron. Charles’ DFC Bar citation stated: ‘He has displayed tactical ability amounting to genius’.
Official Naming of Learmonth Airport
Learmonth Airport was in fact officially named. In 1942, a forward USN submarine base was established at Exmouth Gulf, and named Potshot. However, it proved vulnerable to Japanese air raids, and was mainly used as a refuelling point for submarines based at Fremantle and Albany. The base was bombed by the Japanese in May and September 1943. The first runway was unofficially constructed in March 1943 by Bluey Truscott’s No.76 Squadron, with the use of USN equipment. The airfield was later used by the Boomerangs and Spitfires of No.85 Squadron, and as a staging base for medium and heavy bombers, including the Liberators of No.25 Squadron.
On 7th July 1944, the RAAF Western Area AOC, Air Commodore Ray Brownell, recommended naming a landing strip in Northern Australia in honour of Wing Commander Charles Learmonth DFC and Bar. Brownell declared, ‘I have always had the greatest personal regard and affection for Charles — owing perhaps to the many outstanding qualities he possessed, such as his sincerity, loyalty and ability ... his fellow officers and men have always idolised and loved him.’
On 19th July 1944, the request to change the airfield’s name was approved by the Air Board and HQ Allied Air Forces, who directed that Potshot, Exmouth Gulf, be renamed Learmonth.
On 22nd August 1944, the name change to Learmonth was officially promulgated in RAAF Memorandum 551. The West Australian commented, ‘It preserves the memory of an heroic and fearless young airman, who while diving to certain death at Perth’s doorstep, coolly sent out vital information over the radio that probably saved the lives of scores of other airmen.’
Learmonth Airport Dedications
Marjorie Learmonth married Dr. Leslie Le Souef in 1947, and in 1956 the two drove north to Exmouth Gulf and visited Learmonth airfield. In 1970, the main runway at Learmonth was extended from 7,000 to10,000 feet. The lengthened runway was officially opened on 15th December 1972 by Air Commodore Fred Robey, who had flown with Charles in 1940. Marjorie and Leslie were flown up in a RAAF Dakota, and after the ceremony and parade, Marjorie unveiled a memorial cairn to Charles Learmonth at the north end of the airfield.
Then in 1987, Harry Craig, who had flown with Charles in New Guinea, passed through the terminal at Learmonth and was surprised to find no explanation as to why the airfield was so named. He suggested to Harold Rowell, of No.22 Squadron Association, that a memorial plaque be placed inside the civil terminal building.
The plaque was first unveiled in Perth, by Marjorie Le Souef on 9th May 1988, at the Air Force Memorial Estate, Bull Creek, Perth. The ceremony was attended by 250 people, and addressed by Harold Rowell, and Air Marshal Sir Valston Hancock, who said of Charles, ‘His name is already written into our history with the naming of Learmonth International Airport, but something more than that is needed as a record to indicate to future generations why an important airport bears Charles’ name … It is people like Charles Learmonth who provide a firm foundation for our future, and whose example will serve to inspire our young to great achievement.’
The plaque was later installed on a wall at the entrance to the civil terminal at Learmonth. On Tuesday 17th May 1988, Marjorie and Leslie Le Souef, and a party from No.22 Squadron Association flew from Perth to Learmonth for the dedication. A new Award winning terminalwas opened by Hon. Hendy Cowan MLA on 3rd December 1999. The plaque was re-installed inside the new terminal.
Charles R. Page.
I believe there is an ICAO protocol that requires the aerodrome name to be that of the nearest town. Some years ago, the then owner of Wynyard AD (Burnie Port Authority) in TAS attempted to change the name of Wynyard AD to Burnie AD. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the aerodrome name remains Wynyard, despite the airline operators continually referring to it as Burnie. Maybe you could find the relevant ICAO reference and use that in support of your case. Even if the town came after the aerodrome was established, the protocol should be valid.
Blackburn
Blackburn
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Kingsford Smith International Airport?
Don Muang Airport?
Surely not a major issue?!
ICAO procedures can refer to it as Ningaloo if you wish, but don't wipe away history because the local council wants to be seen to doing something.
Don Muang Airport?
Surely not a major issue?!
ICAO procedures can refer to it as Ningaloo if you wish, but don't wipe away history because the local council wants to be seen to doing something.
maybe they could call it the Ningaloo Terminal at Learmonth Airport...
or they called Cloud Break Fortescue Dave Forrest so maybe they could call it Ningaloo Charles Learmonth
or they called Cloud Break Fortescue Dave Forrest so maybe they could call it Ningaloo Charles Learmonth
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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ANother council with not much to do.
I'm sure there are far more important issues being faced by Exmouth and surround region residents that need councillor's attention more than a few individuals trying to make a name for themselves.
You can just imagine how their tiny mindset work. "hmm lets see, push an agenda at the council meeting. Put forward how it is in keeping with the rich cultural heritage of the tradiational land occupiers... blah blah blah.... Get my name in print for ever more as having been responsible for this progressive move."
Am I close?
I'm sure there are far more important issues being faced by Exmouth and surround region residents that need councillor's attention more than a few individuals trying to make a name for themselves.
You can just imagine how their tiny mindset work. "hmm lets see, push an agenda at the council meeting. Put forward how it is in keeping with the rich cultural heritage of the tradiational land occupiers... blah blah blah.... Get my name in print for ever more as having been responsible for this progressive move."
Am I close?
If the issue was simular to the renaming of, for example, Ayres rock (the rock that is) to its traditional name, I dont think any body would complain.
Renaming the airport 'Ningaloo' is probably for the tourists, and would be getting pushed along by the local tour operaters. (simular to the Cooly name change to 'Gold Coast' airport)
The name 'Ningaloo' is well represented among local land marks and tourist operators.
Renaming the airport 'Ningaloo' is probably for the tourists, and would be getting pushed along by the local tour operaters. (simular to the Cooly name change to 'Gold Coast' airport)
The name 'Ningaloo' is well represented among local land marks and tourist operators.
Last edited by Flying Binghi; 13th Jan 2008 at 06:36. Reason: Clarify my poor wordage
Don't worry the council will hire a consultant and a smick PR company and spend a small fortune and name it some flash name but it will still be referred to as Learmonth by the local and pilots etc.
Wasn't Ayers Rock airport renamed Connellan Airport after the late Eddie Connellan a few years back?
How many people call YMMB, Harry Hawker Airport?
Wynyard is were the airport is physically located, not the filthy industrial township of Burnie whose council unfortunately own the airport until they convert it into an industrial site or housing development.
Wasn't Ayers Rock airport renamed Connellan Airport after the late Eddie Connellan a few years back?
How many people call YMMB, Harry Hawker Airport?
Wynyard is were the airport is physically located, not the filthy industrial township of Burnie whose council unfortunately own the airport until they convert it into an industrial site or housing development.
Hey Islander Jock whats wrong with Local Government! Just cos YOU are the odd one out 
I can just see it :
"Ningaloo Charles Learmonth Traffic, Fokker 100 Foxtrot November Juliet..."
I can just see it :
"Ningaloo Charles Learmonth Traffic, Fokker 100 Foxtrot November Juliet..."
Last edited by topend3; 13th Jan 2008 at 21:24.
Last time I was in Melbourne, I was trying to get a tram that went to Spencer Street station.
No one seemed to have heard of it.... particularly the Met/Connex oompa-loompas.
No one seemed to have heard of it.... particularly the Met/Connex oompa-loompas.
Wing Commander Learmonth was an old boy at my boarding school. Had a pretty stain glass window in honour of his memory in the school Chapel.
A natural born killer who gave it to the Jap's in New Guinea.
His brother died in Crete and is the subject of a poem I can't recall.
How quickly we forget. 
A natural born killer who gave it to the Jap's in New Guinea.
His brother died in Crete and is the subject of a poem I can't recall.
"At the end on Crete he took to the hills, and said he'd fight it out with only a revolver. He was a great soldier."
If Chicago can name their major airport after a WWII ace Butch O'Hare, why can't the Learmonth name remain as a tribute to an Australian Aviator who lost his life in service to his country. I think O'Hare (KORD) was initially named orchard hence the ORD designator.
Topend3, you obviously don't know your AIP very well. Tell me why you must insert IFR in your inbound radio call?? 
Basically all airports should named after politicians, not some flaming war hero!
IE Kevin Rudd airfield or all GA airports could be named Chralie Jones Memorial airport after all he did for GA in the 1970's
IE Kevin Rudd airfield or all GA airports could be named Chralie Jones Memorial airport after all he did for GA in the 1970's