Loganlea Airfield (USAAF)

Airfield
South-East

East of Loganlea Road (in vicinity of University Drive), Meadowbrook 4131

Constructed by the RAAF and used by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) from mid 1942, Loganlea airfield was not utilised to any significant extent. It consisted of two grassed airstrips, which had been cleared, rolled and graded. A camouflaged arch type hideout, suitable for fighters, appears to have been the only structure built. The airfield, which has since been erased by post-war development, could only be used in dry weather.

The airfield’s two grassed strips were located in the area bounded by Loganlea road to the west; Armstrong Road to the south; and a line extended from the north end of Evans road to the east. The two strips intersected just north of University Drive, between Meadowbrook Drive and the lake, and the western ends of both runways terminated on the east side of Loganlea Road, although cleared areas also extended west of the road. The northeast end of the 40 degree runway terminated in what is now a golf course; while the southeast end of the 130 degree runway terminated just west of the eastern loop of Kilsay Crescent. The formation of the airstrips is no longer visible in aerial photographs.

History

The arrival of US forces in Queensland from late December 1941 led to an increased demand for airfields to accommodate US aircraft. Existing RAAF airfields were used, and new fields were also constructed. Five airfields were established near Kingston, south of Brisbane: Loganlea and Waterford, plus the Kingston airstrips A-10, A-11 and A-12.

On 10 July 1942 it was reported that Loganlea airfield had been commenced as a Relief Landing Ground (RLG) for Archerfield aerodrome, but had been changed to a satellite strip. Construction was under RAAF supervision, but the extension of the area was under US control. The dispersal scheme was under design by US Camouflage Section, and construction of taxiways and hideouts was in progress. The contracting firm MR Hornibrook was reported in Allied Works Council (AWC) minutes as being directly engaged by the Americans in camouflage work at both the Loganlea and Waterford airstrips.

In May 1943 Loganlea, which was then not in use, consisted of two grass strips which had been cleared, graded and rolled; and one camouflaged arch type hideout (probably erected by MR Hornibrook) suitable for fighter aircraft. The 40 degree (southwest to northeast) strip was 2800 feet by 300 feet (853m by 91m), while the 130 degree (northwest to southeast) strip was 4800 feet by 300 feet (1463m by 91m). The airfield was suitable for fighters and medium bombers, in dry weather only; and there were no other buildings, hangars, or blast pens. The 130 degree strip was to be made usable, by mowing and removal of small plant suckers, for practice landings and takeoffs by US fighters by the end of July 1943.

In mid 1943 the RAAF considered using Loganlea for a Reconnaissance squadron, but the idea lapsed. In November 1943 the airfield’s function was listed as a RAAF RLG. A US report on the airfield in March 1944 claimed that Loganlea airfield had been constructed (extended?) by the Allied Works Council (AWC), as requested by the US on 1 July 1942. The airfield was still controlled by the US in 1944, but had 'never been used’. The airfield was formally transferred from the US to RAAF control in August 1946.

The area has since been developed and no remnants of the two airstrips are visible.

Source/comments

Marks, RR. 1994. Queensland Airfields WW2—50 Years On, R and J Marks, Brisbane.

Pullar, M. July 1997. Prefabricated WWII Structures in Queensland. Report for the National Trust of Queensland.

Buchanan, Robyn, c.1999-2000. Logan—rich in history, young in spirit. Logan City Council

National Archives of Australia 764. RAAF Directorate of Works and Buildings - Engineer Intelligence Section - Loganlea, Queensland, 1943

National Archives of Australia Q/8/44 PART 1. Logan Village (Queensland) part of Camp Cable (owner M Bishop) H/S [Hirings Service Serial] 916 (17), 1942–1948.

Howells, M. “World War II emergency landing fields", unpublished document.

National Library of Australia RAAF Official Aerials.