WAAF Womens Airforce Karrinyup Country Club

Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF)

The WAAAF formed in 1941 allowing women to take over non-combat roles to free up men for overseas service.

No. 3 WAAAF Training Depot, Karrinyup

No. 3 Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) Training Depot was established at Karrinyup, Western Australia, on 24 April 1942. The depot had an initial establishment of four officers, 40 airwomen, and up to 100 trainees who passed through its training program each month.

The depot operated until 24 March 1945, when it was disbanded as wartime training requirements diminished.

During the Second World War, the Lake Karrinyup Golf Club was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and used as a WAAAF recruit and training centre. It is believed that this facility was associated with No. 3 WAAAF Training Depot, although further research would be needed to confirm this. According to local recollections, RAAF pilots would occasionally "beat up" the golf club, making low passes over the site to entertain the women undergoing training.