西オーストラリア州カルンブル

第二次世界大戦勃発後、オーストラリア政府はこのミッションに飛行場を設置した。1942年に日本軍がオランダ領東インドを占領すると、ドライスデールはオーストラリア空軍（RAAF）の最前線基地となり、さらに南に拠点を置く連合軍飛行隊の中継拠点として機能した。この飛行場は、ダーウィンとフリーマントルの間を飛行するRAAFの対潜哨戒機の燃料補給と弾薬補給基地でもあった。2月19日、このミッションは日本軍機の攻撃を受けた商船MVクーラマの乗組員と乗客に支援を提供した。

In February 1943, Allied signals intelligence suggested that Japanese aircraft would be built up in Timor for attacks on Darwin. Eight Beaufighters from No. 31 Squadron RAAF were despatched to Drysdale River, to prepare for a pre-emptive strike.^[4] On 28 February, it was confirmed that the enemy aircraft had arrived at Penfui, near Kupang. An early morning strike destroyed 12 Japanese aircraft on the ground and damaged another 10. Two Beaufighters were damaged by Japanese fighter aircraft but returned to Drysdale River.

On 27 September 1943, the base and settlement were attacked by 21 Japanese Kawasaki Ki-48 bombers, based at Kupang, Timor, with a fighter escort. The Superior of the mission, Father Thomas Gil O.S.B, aged 45 years, and five Aboriginal people ranging from the age of 1 to 45 years were killed. This included a mother and son. All victims were buried together on mission grounds, the Aboriginal people on either side of Father Thomas, following the funeral at the damaged church. Many buildings at the mission were also destroyed or severely damaged during the raid.

In April 1944, Flt Lt D. S. Askew, the commanding officer of No. 58 Operational Base Unit, reported 367 aircraft movements during that month, the busiest period since operations had begun. He also wrote: "Approximately 250 operational hours were flown from Drysdale resulting in approximately 60,000 lb of bombs being dropped on enemy territory".^[5]

The military significance of the airfield declined once Truscott Airfield was constructed, about 32 km (20 mi) north, in 1944.

In 1951, Drysdale River Mission was officially renamed Kalumburu. Management of the community was later taken over by Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation, on behalf of the Kalumburu Community Council. The community retains strong links with the OSB, including a priest and several Benedictine nuns.^[6]

Kalumburu is 568 km via a poor quality road to the nearest hospital. During the dry season, this takes about 12 hours. There is a small clinic staffed by two remote area nurses with a visiting doctor once per week. This community has been extensively studied and is the subject of publications in regards to Aboriginal health (e.g. trachoma and kidney disease).

In 2008 a new clinic was being built, in collaboration with the Australian Army and Western Australia Health. There is provision for a small dialysis unit, although staffing and equipment are yet to be finalized.

王立飛行医師団は、町の北にあるカルンブル滑走路に着陸する。また、緊急時には旧トラスコット空軍基地も利用できる。