The idea of building a memorial to the service men and women who had been stationed at the No.1 Flying Boat Repair Depot at Lake Boga during World War II was first discussed by local Lake Boga Lions Club members over a few beers at the pub in 1983.
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Today a modern hangar houses a restored Catalina PBY5 and other exhibits. It depicts the type and size of aircraft that were used as patrol bombers during World War II.
Lake Boga was an integral part of allied defence during World War II, with a facility that helped to keep Australia safe – the No.1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot.
Following the Japanese attacks on Broome in 1942, resulting in the loss of 16 flying boats, the establishment of a safe haven for flying boats and amphibians was deemed “essential to the defence of Australia”. “South and inland” were prerequisites.
Lake Boga was the preferred site as it was an ideal stretch of water for the flying boats and amphibious aircraft because it was almost circular (offering unlimited choice of landing/take off direction) and free of obstructions.
During the depot’s wartime life 416 aircraft were serviced, repaired, restored, rebuilt or overhauled. These aircraft included Catalina, Dornier, Sikorsky KingFisher, Sunderland, Walrus and Martin Mariner.
At peak operation 39 Officers, 802 airmen and 102 WAAAFs staffed the depot; the base at Lake Boga closed in November of 1947.
Call the Flying Boat Museum Lake Boga on (03) 5037 2850 for more information.