WWII RAAF Catalina Flying Boat Base and Lugger Maintenance Section/Z Special Unit - East Arm signage

Catalina Flying Boats operated from the harbour while nearby, the Lugger Maintenance Section (LMS) operated as a secret Allied Intelligence Bureau base, undertaking covert wartime operations.

Interpretive signage being installed at the East Arm Boat Ramp will reveal stories of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Flying Boat Base and LMS – home of the Z Special Unit.

See how the sheltered waters of Darwin Harbour provided ideal conditions for marine aviation activity while its isolated shoreline allowed secret operations away from public attention.

Look back in time when large concrete ramps, a timber jetty and slipways extended into the harbour, allowing Catalina Flying Boats to be hauled from the water for maintenance.

The LMS name itself was a disguise, chosen to explain the presence of boats and workshops while concealing the true purpose of the base – secret missions by the Z Special Unit.

Workshops, stores, marine facilities and buildings were used to prepare vessels, equipment and personnel for covert operations throughout enemy-held territory.

The Northern Territory Government has undertaken extensive marine surveys and archaeological investigations at these sites before building the Northern Marine Complex at East Arm.

See what was recovered from the seafloor of Darwin Harbour, including a Supermarine spitfire wing and machine guns.