Gove, Northern Territory

Two RAAF Lockheed Ventura PV-1 aircraft are depicted at an airfield in Gove, Northern Territory. The gum trees of the Australian bush are the main backdrop, with the distinctive green and grey of the trees providing a natural camouflage. The Northern Territory became a large base for campaigns in the Pacific during the Second World War. The strength of the RAAF in the area ensured that the 'threat' of a Japanese landing on mainland Australia was reduced. No. 13 Squadron RAAF were the only Australian squadron to use Venturas. They retained their US Navy camouflage and served mainly in the south west Pacific area. Later they were used extensively in the Borneo campaign, and then post-war to evacuate prisoners of war.

Les Campbell enlisted into the RAAF in 1943 at the age of 18 as a leading aircraftman. Campbell was stationed in several RAAF stations around the Northern Territory and provided mechanical assistance in the fighting at Balikpapan, Borneo. During his service Campbell produced a number of watercolours depicting RAAF movements in the latter stages of the Second World War.