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Home » Themes » Conflict » World War Two
Potshot MemorialPrint Page 
The Memorial 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 A cyclone in 1945 extensively damaged the base and troops were withdrawn.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. |
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 |
|---|
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.
