Every ten years or so, the Air Force has been invited for our Island ceremony marking the completion of the airstrip in September 1974. In that month the final Army contingent left, the last Ansett Flying Boat landed and departed, to be replaced by a commercial fixed wing service.
This year, in the second week of September, with the full support of the Island Board, 16 Army and Navy veterans who built our airstrip will be our guests for the 50th anniversary celebrations.
During construction, over three bimonthly rotations, approximately 200 members of the Defence Force were here and lived at Leanda Lei. Working a 10 hour day, six days of the week in all weathers was what they willingly did. They certainly did not come here as tourists, but hopefully they can this time, accompanied by family.
For many years well prior to the 1970s, there had been discussion on an Island airstrip. However, in 1973 the Federal Government decided not to subsidize certain air routes – Sydney to Lord Howe Island being one. Ansett Airlines promptly advised the Island flying boat service would cease early in 1974 and politically there had to be a solution. Ansett agreed to extend the air service for a few months, while an airstrip was built. The effect on the Island was of deep concern and divisions arose, as was noted in the The Signal in 1973 and 1974.
A number of Federal and State Government Departments were involved, and eventually a Commonwealth/State funding arrangement was agreed on. In 1973 the NSW Public Works Department was tasked with the design. The siting of the airstrip was a challenge on a small island with mountains in close proximity. Finally located on low lying farming land, the site was, and probably still is, a discussion topic among pilots.
Subsequently the Australian Army was appointed as the construction contractor, supported by the Navy. Why the Services and not a civilian contractor? There were a number of reasons: it was known that Defence ships could access the beaches in the lagoon, the Services had the vast array of equipment and personnel required and could respond promptly; no profits were involved; and the Services had their own disciplinary procedures. At that time there was no sworn police officer here, although the Board Superintendent, Horton Ward, was issued with a pair of handcuffs.
In early March, 1974, islanders were greeted by the arrival of three Navy Landing Craft Heavy vessels – Brunei, Buna and Betano. On Monday 4, March a number of Ansett Flying boats landed with the Army Contingent. They were welcomed ashore by islanders with a clap of hands. Six months later the airstrip was handed over to the NSW government and the final small Defence contingent departed.
For the last five years Gary Barker, the Army engineer officer responsible for setting the works out for construction, has been liaising with the remaining veterans, researching the project and working up a plan for the 50th. With strong support from the Island community, particularly Clive Wilson, and Suzie Christensen and Christie Mills of the Board, three special events are going to occur – all free of charge but with the requirement of no alcohol. Islanders and tourists are most welcome including school children. No invitations are required for the presentations.
The first event will be held in the Island Hall on Tuesday, 10 September commencing at 4 pm. It will feature photos of the construction process along with a film, and shows some Islanders from that time. Now that means if you were a babe in arms then, you are now at least 50! Many of the photos and the film were taken by Army Public Relations and this will be a first viewing for many Islanders. The presentation will include a discussion time and should finish by around 5.30pm.
On the following afternoon – Wednesday 11 September – also in the Hall commencing at 4 pm is the 50th Anniversary Ceremonial Event. This will be chaired by Clive Wilson, and include guest speakers David Middleton, Cathy Bale and Tony Coyle.
David Midleton landed the first RAAF plane on a partially completed airstrip on Sunday, 4 August, 1974, in treacherous conditions. It was the first aero-medical flight as Wally Wilson, who was injured the previous day while using a chain saw, was flown out to the mainland. Wally did recover and eventually returned home. David will be showing a film taken on the day from the cockpit and ground of the landing. Again, this will be a first showing for Islanders, noting that David will be assisted by his son Mark who was also a RAAF pilot and flew to the Island.
Design agencies tend to be forgotten and, like most States, the NSW PWD has been downsized through outsourcing. It would be remiss if they are not included on such an important occasion. One of the PWD engineers involved with the airstrip was Alf Sharpe. Cathy, his daughter, will talk about the chats they had about his visits to the Island during the construction phase, along with some research she has done.
Like David Middleton, Tony Coyle would be well remembered by senior Islanders as the Captain who was in command of the Army Detachment. Tony, a professional civil engineer assisted by Warrant Officer, Terry Melbin, was totally responsible for the construction of the airstrip. Both men, as well as some of the plant operators stayed on the Island for the full construction period. The job had challenges including the weather, equipment, and rock for the lagoon end wall being rejected. Tony will be telling ‘The real story of constructing the Lord Howe Island Airstrip’.
Dress for both events in the Hall is casual and the Wednesday presentation will conclude with some light refreshments.
The final event, subject to air traffic clearances, is to be allowed controlled access onto the runway from the Terminal side. This is planned for Thursday, 12 September, at 4.30 pm and is by invitation only. Many of our senior Island citizens and their children did voluntary work after the Army left, to plant grass on the verges. This is your chance to have a journey down memory lane.
The airside event is limited to 100 people and, after allowing for the veterans, their families and guests, there are 60 places available for Islanders. To access the runway your name must be on the invitation list, and places will be allocated on a first come basis. If you would like a place please email Amy Hickey: amyhickey2898@gmail.com
Please do not request places for people who are not here, including tourists.
Please welcome these veterans and their families for what will be a very special week on our Island.
50th Anniversary of the Construction of the Airstrip at the Museum – Friday 13/9 at 4.30pm
September, 2024, will mark the 50th anniversary of the completion of construction of the Lord Howe Island airstrip in 1974 and we look forward to welcoming the members of the site of the Lord Howe Island RSL and Museum.
To that end, the LHI Historical Society will be hosting airstrip construction.
All LHI Historical Society members are invited to this event to meet with veterans of the army construction crew who have travelled to Lord Howe for this special anniversary. Drinks and nibbles will be provided and we expect that many interesting stories will be exchanged.
If you are not currently a member of the Historical Society, and would like to attend, just call at the Museum and fill out our membership form. The annual subscription for individual membership is $12.00; for family membership $24.00. (Membership can also be paid via our website.)
INVITATION
Community Function at the Public HallCommencing at 4pm
There is to be a Special Island Wide Function to mark 50 years since the completion of the Island Airport and the changeover from Flying Boat Operations to Land Based Air Services and Support.
An Island style Afternoon Tea will be served and a number of stories and events will be shared to remind attendees of a number of issues which had to be overcome to achieve what was a very difficult undertaking.
A number of people who were very close to the Operations are planning to come and it is hoped that the ADF Engineering Unit and their personnel will enjoy what became a real success.
A number of invitations have been extended to current and past Operators to attend.
A special THANK YOU to Lt. Cl. Gary Barker (retired) More than two years they have persisted in patiently ensuring that we do not forget.
A grateful thanks to all who have contributed toward this Special Function including the Special Island Afternoon Tea.
“ The Lord Howe Island Airport ”