U. S. Army Air Forces in C. T., 1942

[WWIIBuff]

Along with other American researchers, I have a longstanding interest in American air units based outside Charters Towers beginning in early 1942. Of particular interest is the 3rd Bombardment Group and its 17th Squadron (plus all other squadrons of that group). Are there local historians in the C. T. area with extensive knowledge of units that were based back then around what is now the Charters Towers airport? Does anyone have photos they are willing to share online or by mail? Are the locations where these units were encamped marked by memorial plaques? I anticipate a visit to conduct more research early in 2008. I would be grateful for being put in touch with anyone in the area who has unique knowledge or photos. I am already familiar with the work of other WWII researchers and sources in Australia but am curious about sources in and around C. T. Thanks!

Respectfully.

[Kelly]

Hello and welcome WWIIBuff.

Mate the people below will have the info you are asking about or will know how to get it. I "think" there club is based in the hanger you are asking about. If not i know it is still standing (the hanger). Mr Arena will have more info on how to get the information you would like.


Charters Towers Aero Club - Phone 61+ 074787 7374
President: Jim Arena
Secretary: Justin van Wijk
justin@charters.net.au
subject=Charters Towers Aero Club: request for further information

Charters Towers Aero Club
www.auf.asn.au/clubs/club769.html

Please i hope this helps.
Kelly

[Kelly]

Charters Towers Aero Club
http://www.auf.asn.au/clubs/club769.html
The site was down for a while, but i keep trying and it do come back online.

DISTRICT ATTRACTIONS
The Aero Club meets on the last Sunday of each month, shortly after last light. The club has about 20 active members, more than half of whom hold the AUF Pilot Certificate or Student Certificate. The annual fly-in takes place during the May Day long weekend coinciding with the Charters Towers country music festival; reportedly the largest amateur festival in the southern hemisphere.

CLUB OFFICERS:
President: Jim Arena
Secretary: Justin van Wijk
Treasurer: Jamie Franks
Current Club membership:20

LOCATION:
3 km north Charters Towers, Qld
WAC code: 3234

AIRFIELD:
Charters Towers (YCHT) S20°02.6' E146°16.4'
Elevation: 955 feet
Runway: 06/24 Length: 1737 metres sealed
Runway: 01/19 Length: 1005 metres gravel
Airfield VHF: CTAF 126.7 Area VHF: ???
AVFAX code: 4411 ARFOR: 44

[WWIIBuff]

It appears the site is still down. I haven't been able to view it for a couple of days now, but I'll keep trying. Thanks for the replies.

[WWIIBuff]

Kelly, I attempted to contact Justin van Wijk at the Aero Club, but his e-mail address (justin@charters.net.au) is apparently no longer valid. So that I can make contact regarding my WWII USAAF research, can you provide an updated e-mail address?

I remain interested in hearing from anyone in C. T. who shares my WWII research interest.

[Kelly]

Hello WWIIBuff,
I will "Private Message" you through this forum, some details to contact people of interest.

Kelly.

[WWIIBuff]

I am looking forward to my first visit to Australia and to C. T. and will be in C. T. February 27-29. I would consider it an honor to be able to talk to anyone there who shares my interest in the early phases of the air war in the Pacific in general, and the 3rd Attack Group, based in C. T. from February, 1942, to January, 1943.

[Carolyn]

Hello WWIIBuff,

Where else in Australia are you visiting, apart from C.T. ? If you are coming near Cairns I think there were some big army bases nearby, though I'm not sure if they were American or not.
I can try & find out if you are going to be in the area.
My email is cwcarolync@qld.chariot.net.au I hope, I'm allowed to give out my addy here, I'm still a newby, & don't get here as often as I'd like.

Looking forward to our own visit to the Towers later on in the year.

Cheers Carolyn

[WWIIBuff]

Thanks, Carolyn. I'll miss Cairns on this trip but will be spending time in Melbourne, Darwin and Brisbane--in addition to CT--on my research project. I look forward to future visits that include Canberra, Cairns and Port Moresby.

[WWIIBuff]

I had an absolutely fantastic visit in February and March. Starting in Melbourne, I spent time doing WWII research in Darwin, Batchelor, Townsville, Garbutt, Charters Towers and Brisbane. I had wonderful hosts in C. T., who I now consider good friends because of their generosity when I was there. I hope to make a return visit soon.