www.monumentaustralia.org.au

Potshot MemorialPrint Page Print this page

27-August-2016 (Erich Nussbaumer)
27-August-2016 (Erich Nussbaumer)

Photographs supplied by Michael Doncaster / Erich Nussbaumer

The monument commemorates the submarine base "Operation Potshot."

In 1942 the United States Navy established a submarine base under the code name “Operation Potshot”. Extensive facilities were built adjacent to where Learmonth Airforce Base now stands. Although the submarine tenders only stayed in the area for a very short period, the base continued to operate as a refuelling facility. Australian Army, Navy and Airforce personnel operated early warning radar, radio stations, anti-aircraft guns and provided fighter cover for submarines.

The famous Operation Jaywick which attacked shipping in Singapore Harbour departed from Exmouth Gulf. The Japanese bombed the location in 1943. A cyclone in 1945 extensively damaged the base and troops were withdrawn.

Location

Address:Minilya - Exmouth Road, 1.5 kilometres north of Learmonth, Learmonth, 6707
State:WA
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -22.203168
Long: 114.089108
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
View Google Map

Details

Monument Type:Monument
Monument Theme:Conflict
Sub-Theme:WW2
Actual Event Start Date:03-September-1939
Actual Event End Date:15-August-1945

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Thursday 27th October, 1983
Front Inscription

Potshot Memorial

Plaque :

Erected 27 October 1983

Between this point and Exmouth Gulf Operation "Potshot" was conducted during World War II.

Plaque :

Rear-Admiral Charles A. Lockwood Jr, U.S.N. 
Brigadier B. R. Klein A.I.F.
Commander Joseph L. Thew U.S.N.
Lieut. Col J. S. Young A.M.F.

Landed here September 11, 1942 to carry out the initial reconnaissance for the "Potshot" venture.

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au