The construction of Bairnsdale Airfield commenced on 4 September 1943.
A forward air base was established at Bairnsdale on 15 January 1940.
2 Squadron RAAF started to use the airfield as a refueling stop. Bairnsdale became fully operational in May 1942
when 7 Squadron RAAF moved there with its Hudsons to fly shipping convoy escort and ant-submarine patrols.
7 Squadron RAAF was based at Bairnsdale Airfield from 2 April 1942 until 18 August 1942.
No. 1 Operational Training Unit and its Australian built Beaufort bombers was based at Bairnsdale Airfield
from 14 June 1942 until 22 April 1943. 1 OTU trained 631 pupils and flew 38,875 hours.
Unfortunately there were 53 aircraft crashes in the Bairnsdale area including some lost at sea.
At least 71 airmen lost their lives in these tragic crashes. 1 OTU transferred to East Sale in April 1943.
The RAAF's General Reconnaissance School and its Avro Ansons was based at Bairnsdale Airfield
from 24 April 1943 until 13 March 1946.
By January 1943 there were 1,997 officers and airmen and 117 WAAAFs plus 285 trainees based at Bairnsdale.
from http://www.ozatwar.com/airfields/bairnsdaleairfield.htm
From this spot looking east back in early 1940s you would see the RAAF base barracks,
with the air field behind those buildings.
Have Fun, Go Geocaching.