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The Fenton Falcons won the College House Shield in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2021!

Fenton Origins

Fenton irstrip, named after Clyde ‘Doc’ Fenton, the Territory’s flying doctor, has a significant history. Doc Fenton, who was born in Warrnambool, Victoria in 1901, joined the NT Medical Service in 1935. During 1942-1945, he served as a flight instructor in the RAAF and fortunately survived the war, passing away in Melbourne on 28 February 1982.

The airfield experienced its first air raid on 30 June 1943, resulting in two men being injured, four liberators destroyed, and significant equipment loss. Furthermore, in the air, six spitfires were lost, and one pilot lost his life. After the war, a large portion of the wreckage vanished as scrap dealers melted down the aircraft into ingots. In recent times, much of the remaining wreckage has been taken by souvenir hunters.

The Hughes Hornets won the College House Shield in 2011, 2012, 2022 and 2023!

Hughes Origins

Hughes Airfield was given its name in honor of Mr W Hughes, who served as the Director of Mines in Darwin. In early 1942, he proposed a location for the development of the aerodrome, which was ultimately selected and constructed just 30 miles from Darwin. The airfield was completed and operational by May 1942.

Subsequently, there has been some uncertainty regarding the individual after whom the airfield was actually named. Earlier sources from the US and RAAF suggest that it may have been named after 2nd Lieutenant Charles W Hughes, an American serviceman who lost his life in Darwin on February 19, 1942. The airfield was subjected to four air raids by the Japanese in 1942, resulting in the loss of significant amounts of ammunition and equipment.

The Livingstone Lions won the College House Shield in 2008 and 2018!

Livingstone Origins

Livingstone Airstrip was named after Lieutenant John D Livingstone, a member of the 9th Squadron of the 49th Pursuit Group. Tragically, Livingstone lost his life in a landing mishap on April 4, 1942, following injuries sustained during action over Darwin. Despite his valiant efforts to reach the nearest airstrip, Livingstone's aircraft crashed on the southern overrun. He was laid to rest at the Garden’s Cemetery just two days later. Notably, Livingstone airstrip was among the earliest roadside fighter strips to be completed as part of the Aerodrome Development Program.

Furthermore, a camp was associated with Livingstone airstrip. Initially set up as a tented camp in March 1942, it eventually evolved into a more established facility, furnished with beds, mattresses, and other essentials transported from the Darwin Hotel.

The Strauss Sharks won the College House Shield in 2009, 2019 and 2020!

Strauss Origins

Strauss Airstrip was named after Captain Allison W Strauss, an American pilot who valiantly defended Australia during the Second World War. Born in Ohio in 1916, Captain Strauss relocated to Indiana due to the impact of the Great Depression. He enlisted in the air force in Texas and successfully completed his training, earning the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Initially stationed in the Philippines, Captain Strauss was later relocated to Adelaide River. Tragically, he was shot down and killed over Fannie Bay on 27 April 1942. Shortly thereafter, the “27 mile airstrip” (27 miles from Darwin) where his squadron had been based was renamed in his honor as “Strauss Airstrip”. Functioning as the second of three roadside fighter strips, the 5,000 by 2,000 feet airstrip was constructed by the 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion between 19 March and 27 April 1942.