|  |
|
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| Location Lat 26° 24' 48S 146° 15' 45E Charleville Airfield is located at an elevation of 1,003' above sea level at Charleville in Queensland in Australia. Still in use today as Charleville Airport. Construction Built prewar as a civilian airfield with a Qantas built a hangar. In December 1941, the Queensland Main Roads Commission provided 335 men to upgrade the airfield for military planes starting with the expansion of the main runway to a length of 6,000' and two other runways built each surfaced with gravel then bitumen plus the construction of taxiways, dispersal areas and a fuel depot and supporting buildings. By January 1943, all upgrades were completed. Wartime History On January 29, 1942 a formation of U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) planes including twenty-five P-40 Warhawks escorted by B-24A Liberator 40-2374 were flying from Brisbane via Charleville bound for Darwin. While landing, P-40 Warhawk #89 pilot 2nd Lt. Bernard Oliver from 20th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional) sustained wing damage and remained behind while the rest continued to Darwin. In February 1942, A-24 Dive Bombers from 27th Bomb Group (27th BG) flew via Charleville bound for Darwin with one breaking down and remained behind. In late February 1942 the 8th Materiel Squadron arrived from Amberley Airfield by rail and two convoys of vehicles. In early March 1942, used by the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as a reception depot for heavy bombers. By April 1942, 45th Air Base Group performed service and repair duties using the prewar Qantas hangar plus five newly constructed hangars. During July 1942, the first B-17F Flying Fortresses arrived at Charleville Airfield. Also based Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Operational Training Group No. 1. American units based at Charleville 43rd BG, 63drd BS (B-17) Sydney arrives June 15, 1942–August 3, 1942 departs Torrens Creek Today Still in use today as Charleville Airport for civilian use with two runways. The first is oriented 30/12 measures 5,000' x 98' surfaced with asphalt. The second is oriented 36/18 measures 3,501' x 75' surfaced with asphalt.. Airport codes: ICAO: YBCV IATA: CTL. Charleville Airfield Museum Located in the historic terminal building at Carleville Airport References History of the Queensland Main Roads Commission 1939 - 1945 "Charleville - The work of enlarging the previously existing civil aerodrome at Charleville began in December, 1941, and was finished in January, 1943. It consisted of clearing, grubbing, grading, gravelling, drainage and bitumen surfacing, the construction of taxiways and dispersal strips, besides excavations for large fuel tanks and the preparation of building sites. The first runway of 6,000 feet was completed to a stage suitable for aircraft landings within a week. Three gravelled runways in all were constructed and 88 acres of bitumen surfacing completed. Dust provided a nuisance and molasses spraying was tried with fair success. The maximum number of men employed was 335 and the approximate value of the work was £228,000." Queensland Airfields WW2 - 50 Years On (1994) by Roger Marks Oz@War - Charleville Airfield Charleville, QLD in Australia during WWII Experience Charleville: Charleville Airfield Museum Experience Charleville: WWII Secret Base interactive exhibition centre on Charleville's role during 1942-1946. Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 Map Fallingrain Map Mapcarta |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
