The Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron of the 45th Air Base Group was activated on 25 August 1940 at Hamilton Field Air Base, 25 miles north of San Francisco, USA under the command of Brigadier General Millard F. Harmon. Units designated for the Group at that time were:-

At 1430 hours on 5 December 1941, the men of the group were trucked to Pier #45 at San Francisco, where they boarded the liner SS President Johnson. They occupied a large cargo room directly below the main deck which had a ceiling height of less than 8 feet. Their bunks were little more than canvas squares, supported by iron rods, three tiers high. S.S. President Johnson pulled away from its berth at 1900 hours on 5 December 1941 and moved slowly into San Francisco Bay and dropped anchor in view of the Golden Gate Bridge. 4 1/2 hours later they weighed anchor and headed out to sea on their way to "Plum", which they understood was the Philippines.

At 1200 hours on 7 December 1941, after receiving news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the S.S. President Johnson turned back towards San Francisco. At 1445 hours on 9 December 1941, Headquarters Squadron commenced disembarking at Pier #44 in San Francisco. They travelled by bus to Hamilton Field.

Preparations for a possible second trip overseas was completed by 4 January 1942 after twenty eight 2 1/2 ton US Army vehicles plus an additional 21 car convoy transported already crated equipment back to the docks.

A decision was eventually made to again set sail for a new overseas destination. The men of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron arrived at Pier #45 at 2300 hours on 11 January 1942. Numbers included:-

This time their destination was coded "2469-E" rather than "Plum". Their ship was the SS Mariposa travelling in a Convoy which included the President Monroe, President Coolidge and the escort cruiser USS Phoenix. SS Mariposa was slightly larger than the SS President Johnson and had improved accommodation facilities. Their quarters were converted state-rooms. The SS Mariposa left Pier #45 at 1545 hours on 12 January 1942.

The President Monroe left the convoy at Fiji and a cluster of Royal Australian Navy RAN vessels appeared, and escorted the remainder of the convoy through submarine infested waters into Port Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. SS Mariposa dropped anchor in the outer Melbourne harbour extremities at approximately 1600 hours on 1 February 1942. They disembarked and travelled to Camp Darley.

On 9 February 1942, they travelled 5 miles by truck from Camp Darley at 0815 hours to Bacchus Marsh railway station arriving at 0830 hours. They left Bacchus Marsh at 0950 hours and arrived at Port Melbourne at 1155 hours where baggage and equipment was unloaded and transferred to another train which left Port Melbourne at 1715 hours on 9 February 1942. 70 Enlisted Men of the 4th Air Depot Group were attached to the Squadron and travelled on the same train. They changed trains at each state border and eventually arrived in Brisbane in south east Queensland on 12 February 1942. They immediately transferred to Camp Doomben and the men of the 4th Air Depot Group departed for another location.

On 13 February 1942, 56 Enlisted Men were placed on Detached Service at Amberley Airfield for the purpose of acting as Aircraft Security Guards. On 16 February 1942, an Advance Detail of 44 Enlisted Men and 10 Officers left Camp Doomben by truck and travelled to Archerfield Airfield on the south side of Brisbane. The rest of the Group followed closely behind and by 1900 hours the movement of personnel and equipment had been completed. Squadron duties at Archerfield included:-

On 19 February 1942, Captain Hugh L. Chaffee was relieved as Squadron Commander and Lt. Gus S. Zinnecker was appointed as Squadron Commander. On 24 February 1942, personnel and organisational equipment not being utilised at Archerfield were transferred to the Moorooka State School house. Operating functions continued at Archerfield Airfield unaffected.

By 1 March 1942, Headquarters Squadron was well represented at the various airfields around Brisbane. There was a Detachment at Eagle Farm airfield which had the difficult task of assembling O-47 aircraft. A small group located at Camp Doomben provide security members and a large body at Amberley Airfield also continued to provide security service. The nucleus of the organisation was still at Archerfield providing the following functions:-

On 2 March 1942, they learned that the Squadron was to move to Charleville, 484 miles west of Brisbane. Preparations for the movement began that date with various members of the organisation returning from Detached Service to rejoin the unit.

By 3 March 1942, an Advance Party of 1 Officer and 15 Enlisted Men departed by motor transport enroute to Charleville. Two more groups of similar size left later that day. On 4 March 1942, equipment was loaded on to the railroad carriages at Wacol Junction in Brisbane about 9 miles from Moorooka State School. On 5 March 1942, Headquarters Squadron bid farewell to Brisbane.

At 1840 hours on 6 March 1942, the organisation arrived at Charleville after travelling 484 miles by train in approximately two days. 20 Billets were immediately arranged in the new modern Charleville Civilian Hospital. Advance parties arrived over the next three days. By the end of March 1942, the Squadron had become familiar with their new assignments and began to show a small amount of progress towards their primary mission to supervise the building of an Air Base.

Their role was to construct facilities at the Charleville Airfield to establish a Reception Depot to allow the servicing of all newly arrived bomber aircraft that had been ferried across the Pacific from the US. Newly arrived aircraft were serviced, repaired and stored at Charleville Airfield prior to being allocated to operational squadrons. Whilst control of the Charleville Airfield was handed over to the United States Army Forces in Australia (USAFIA) on 10 July 1942, the 45th Air Base Group and some of its attached units were based at Charleville Airfield as early as 6 March 1942. The Charleville Airfield would be in constant use while under construction. The 45th Air Base Group were to service transient aircraft with 3rd and 4th echelon maintenance. They also provided rations, quarters and administration for all personnel of the Base, including transient personnel.

The Qantas Ltd Hangar at Charleville Airfield was used by the 45th Air Base Group.

The unit worked in close co-operation with the 8th Materiel Squadron, which had been assigned to the 45th Air Base Group on 14 February 1942 and had arrived at Charleville two weeks prior to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron of the 45th Air Base Group.

The lack of adequate strength in certain Sections was the initial obstacle which they had to overcome. There were no Ordnance men to maintain the various organisational vehicles, no Signal men to install and repair intricate signal equipment and no Quartermaster men to handle Quartermaster activities. The most important shortcoming of all, however, was the lack of men to form a Security Section necessary to give protection to the various gasoline dumps, ammunition dumps, dispersed aircraft and equipment.

On 15 April 1942, a Detachment of the 4th Quartermaster Company Supply (Avn) arrived at Charleville and alleviated the pressing requirements for personnel to some degree and four days later 150 unassigned men arrived and were split between the two organisations, 100 going to the 8th Materiel Squadron and 50 to Headquarters Squadron of the 45th Air Base Group.

The majority of the new men, boasting little over 3 weeks training in the USA, were assigned to the Security Section and carried on those duties throughout the Unit's service in Charleville.

On 19 April 1942, Bill Lewis and Newt Chaffin from the 435th Bomb Squadron travelled to Charleville to pick up two brand-new B-17 Flying Fortresses.

Through this rather hectic period, constructions of a new camp area had begun adjacent to Charleville Airfield and by 1 July 1942 it was ready for occupation. Office buildings, mess halls, kitchen store rooms, latrines, and shower rooms had been erected, along with buildings for Special Service and a Post Exchange PX. The Enlisted Men were quartered in tents less than half a mile from the airfield itself.

Control of the air became of primary importance and it was here that Charleville Airfield began to play a leading role. Airfields in Australia were needed to assemble and maintain aircraft when it was found that facilities at the few bases in New Guinea were inadequate.

The task of converting Charleville Airfield into a base of importance was not an easy one. Unpaved runways and limited hangar space were outstanding drawbacks and were the first projects to receive attention. Most of the labour for these works were civilians supervised by US Army Engineers. The airfield was transformed to an important base in a few short months. New runways of gravel, and asphalt compound replaced the original dirt runways. Steel hangars supplemented the portable lightweight sheds previously used, and in general, the conversion turned the airfield, which previously had limited facilities, into one of a serviceable and accessible nature.

Captain Nicholas S. Saliba, Medical Corps, received the Silver Star for heroism in Malang, Java and was presented his award at a dinner in Charleville in his honour. His Citation partly read as follows:-

On 23 June 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Kruse, then Group Commander, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in an aerial flight at Charleville Airfield. On 23 June 1942, a P-40 Kittyhawk piloted by Colonel Charles H. Kruse O-113113, crash landed at Charleville Airfield. Colonel Kruse was uninjured in this accident. Soon after taking off Col. Kruse heard a backfire in the engine. After checking his instruments he decided he had enough speed to make a turn. The cabin immediately filled with smoke and he could no longer see the instruments. He turned back towards the airfield to make an emergency landing. He then remembered that a number of men were working on the runway. He chose to head towards the trees rather than risk hitting the men on the ground. His Citation for his Distinguished Flying Cross, read in part:-

A Queensland Police report from the local Inspector of Police to the Commissioner of Police dated 25 June 1942 stated:-

In June 1942, the Allied Fighting Forces Club was endeavouring to form a Recreation Club for Australian troops which comprised the Garrison Detachment station in Charleville. Lieutenant Holmes, M.C. had secured a suitable building which required furnishing. The club appealed to well-wishing friends for the loan of tables, chairs, lounges, etc. and for the gift of books, magazines, so that the Garrison Detachment could be made comfortable during the winter months.

A report dated 1 July 1942 showed the following building assignments for the 45th Air Base Group in the buildings on the Charleville Airfield:-

Women's National Emergency Legion WNEL Drivers - Transportation at Charleville 1942

Allied Fighting Forces Club opened in March 1942 was used
by US Forces at Charleville - Recreation - Charleville 1942

On 14 July 1942, the 45th Air Base Group was redesignated the 45th Service Group as per paragraph 1, General Order No. 22, Headquarters, USAAS, SWPA, APO501 dated 4 August 1942. Paragraph 2 of the same order directed a re-organisation in accordance with the new Table of Organisation - T/O 1-412, 1 July 1942. At the same time the 8th Materiel Squadron was redesignated the 8th Service Squadron.

The 450th Service Squadron (Prov) was activated at Charleville in accordance with General Order No. 37, Headquarters, USAAS, SWPA, APO 501, dated 6 September 1942. Personnel forming this new unit were obtained from Headquarters Squadron, 45th Service Group and the 8th Service Squadron. Soon after its activation, the 450th Service Squadron (Prov) departed Charleville and arrived at Dobodura in New Guinea where it was subsequently redesignated as the 48th Service Squadron, and later as the 480th Service Squadron.

On 15 September 1942, the 45th Service Group suffered their first fatality, when Private First Class Robert L. Wheeler (19070330), while carrying out his duties as Corporal of the Guard, was killed instantly when the government vehicle he was driving overturned and hit a tree. Two men travelling with Pfc Wheeler were more fortunate, but still suffered major injuries, and eventually recovered under good medical treatment. Pfc Wheeler was buried at the US Cemetery at Ipswich, west of Brisbane on 16 September 1942.

In the latter part of September 1942, striking developments in the war saw Charleville Airfield become less important to the war effort. Transient aircraft were finding other Bases more advantageous and finally on 11 November 1942, major operations at Charleville Airfield came to an abrupt halt. Movement Orders had been received instructing the organisation to proceed by rail to Townsville in north Queensland. Packing began immediately.

On 11 November 1942, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron departed Charleville, enroute to Townsville. The main contingent which included 7 Officers, 4 Warrant Officers and 106 Enlisted Men travelled via Queensland Rail and it took 5 days and nights to complete the 1,332 mile journey. At the same time the balance of the Squadron proceeded by motor convoy, and by air, transporting equipment to Townsville. The motor convoy encountered many difficulties over the rough roads.

Major Paul H. Goodwin, the Operations Officer, had preceded the unit and established living quarters and the necessary arrangements for messing. At 0430 hours on 16 November 1942, the train pulled into the Garbutt Airfield siding and the work of unloading began under the supervision of Squadron Commander Alvin V. Skiles. The motor convoy arrived a few hours later and by daylight the unit had moved into their barracks.

Most of the following two days were taken up with unloading and uncrating of squadron equipment which was deemed necessary for the initial operation of Garbutt Airfield. On 18 November 1942, Headquarters Squadron assumed their new duties which consisted of operational control of Garbutt Airfield, housing, and the messing and transportation for transient officer and enlisted personnel.

At Garbutt Airfield and Project #2 (Depot #2 or Townsville Air Depot), the housing was of primary importance and since most of the barracks and mess halls were in rundown condition, rehabilitation began immediately. A new mess was instituted so that the Officers and Enlisted Men could mess separately and the grass which was waist high, was trimmed eliminating a mosquito menace as well as serving to give the area a neat and trim appearance.

There were few walkways and roadways, and no drainage system in operation. With the first rains of December 1942, the entire Project went under water, and corrective steps were taken immediately, as well as clearing and enlarging the meager supply of sewers while new ones were under construction.

Garbutt Airfield also underwent a major facelift. Runways were lengthened, dispersal areas were policed and re-inforced, and a general cleanup was organised and resulted in the re-painting of buildings, field markers, etc. The field servicing unit which was a vital function of the maintenance crew was moved to a more practicable location, and tankers and other vehicles were repaired by the group transportation section.

Work on the transient area and quarters was completed under the most adverse conditions. During that time, squadron members, both Officers and Enlisted Men, found many administrative discrepancies, and it was necessary to revise the entire system to ensure the proper processing of transient personnel.

There were literally no recreational facilities since most of the equipment had been taken by the organisation then departing from the airfield. The Special Service Section under Captain Gus S. Zinnecker went into immediate operation and from the limited resources available, a motion picture show and Post Exchange were constructed and put into use.

On 23 December 1942, the organisation underwent its first air raid alert at Garbutt Airfield and it was noted that their duties were carried out in an orderly fashion while the warning lasted. It was later learnt that an American B-17 Flying Fortress had lost contact with the Control Tower and could not be identified as it approached the airfield which lead to the air raid alert.

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 45th Service Group completed their first year of overseas service on 11 January 1943. On 28 February 1943, 2nd Lt. Parker R. Bowman replaced Captain Alvin V. Skiles as Squadron Commander. Two days later Major Walter P. Piehl replaced Lt. Col. Charles H. Kruse as Commanding Officer of the 45th Service Group. Both Skiles and Kruse were transferred to the 11th Replacement Control Depot (probably at Camp Muckley, Archerfield) and returned to the USA a short time later. By 4 April 1942, Captain William W. Guthrie was appointed Squadron Commander.

These duties were carried on in conjunction with the 1158th Quartermaster Company Service Group (Avn), the 1621st Ordnance Company (Avn) and the 1058th Signal Company (Avn) Service Group, who had all joined the 45th Service Group in June 1943.

In June 1943 Base Headquarters with 5 Officers and 6 Enlisted Men served the following units in an administrative capacity:-

In June 1943 Base Operations with 3 Officers and 20 Enlisted Men including clerks, aircraft dispatchers, control tower and teletype operators served the following units:-

During June 1943 there were 1,672 arrivals, 1,643 departures, 250 locals, 88 night landings, and 2 aircraft accidents.

About 75% of transient pilots were recent arrivals into Australia, and great care was taken to acquaint them with various airfields most frequently used, and arranged for their transportation to the newly assigned unit.

Various target ranges were used almost daily by units from a nearby airfield. Notification of the proposed mission was given to this office which in turn notified the various units concerned with such a practice. This office was also called upon to tow targets for the Fifth Fighter Command during aerial gunnery practice.

Upon the arrival of General Officers and Naval Rank, arrangements were made for dispersing their aircraft to a desirable locality, and transportation from the airfield was provided and interested parties were notified. Dispatching Officers remained on duty for 24 hours and the Tower Officer remained on duty from sunrise to sunset.

The Medical Unit, with 2 Officers and 15 Enlisted Men served the following units:-

During June 1943, 288 patients were seen by the Medical Unit and 507 treatments were given to personnel from organisations of the 45th Service Group and 198 patients were seen and 262 treated of the transient personnel billeted at Townsville. 40 quarters cases were treated in the 12 bed ward of the Dispensary.

The Dispensary completed 57 examinations for aviation cadets and Flying Training in grade, who were passed by the Aviation Cadet Board which met at Garbutt Airfield on 14 June 1943. In addition 4 examinations were completed on Army personnel for flying status. All Air Corps personnel discharged from hospitals in Base Section No. 2 were interviewed by a Medical Officer at the Dispensary. A Dental Survey made of all personnel in the 45th Service Group was combined with the monthly physical inspection. Sanitary inspections of the camp area were carried out each week followed by a report to the organisation commanders.

In the Motor Transportation Section, two Officers and 31 Enlisted Men from four organisations maintained vehicles for Headquarters Squadron, 1158th QM Co Service Group (Avn), 1058th Signal Company (Avn) Garbutt Transient Camp, and Garbutt Field Operations. 58 vehicles represented the total transportation available with a daily average of 55 trips.

Five organisations in addition to the 45th Service Group drew petrol and oil at this pool. Approximately 500 gallons per day, for 84 vehicles. Two classes were held and instruction in driving and 1st Echelon maintenance were given to all Enlisted Men holding Driver's permits. Traffic laws were explained in detail to all those present.

The Air Force Engineering Section operated under the combined supervision of two Warrant Officers with an enlisted personnel of 38 which included the alert crew, dispersal crew, gas and oil truck drivers, and administrative and technical Supply Clerks. Units served under this body of men were Headquarters Squadron, Transient Aircraft, 317th Troop Carrier Group, American Aircraft under Australian control, Australian Aircraft, and 2nd Service Squadron.

Additional duties for the 45th Service Group were policing of the whole airfield, field maintenance, drawing of parts and equipment for transient aircraft, drawing of technical supply tools and equipment for Engineering, Operations, and Headquarters Squadron.

Probably the most difficult section to maintain with any degree of accuracy was the Transient Billeting Office which boasted a supervising staff of two Officers and 11 Enlisted Men including clerks and duty Sergeants. Responsibility of this office was to a large extent confined to the processing and arranging of air or water transportation for casual officers, Air Corps, and enlisted personnel traveling through this Station on leave and furlough. Tactical aircraft crews (Officers and Enlisted Men), Patients discharged from hospitals in this area while awaiting transportation.

For the month of June 1943, 1204 Officers and Enlisted Men were provided air transportation, 638 Officers and Enlisted Men were provided rail transportation, 100 Officers and Enlisted Men were provided transportation by truck, 17 Enlisted Men were provided transportation by water.

Housing difficulties arose almost daily and the laborious task of maintaining an accurate record of arrivals and departures plus the additional problems of administration fell upon the shoulders of an office operating with the bare minimum of personnel. The Squadron Orderly Room and Supply with two Officers and six Enlisted Men handled all the necessary administration for the unit plus the operations of a photo laboratory, which from time to time played an important part of Squadron activities.

Special Service with one Officer and enlisted personnel including 1 PX Steward and Special Service Clerk, 2 barbers, 4 PX Clerks and two movie projectionists. Units served by this department included Headquarters Squadron, 1621st Ordnance MM Co (Avn), 1158th QM Co Service Group (Avn), 1909th Ordnance Co, 1042nd Ordnance Co, 317th Troop Carrier Group (three Squadrons), 1058th Signal Co., Transient Officers and Enlisted Men.

The functions of this department were varied in extent and included such activities as maintaining a service club with games, magazines and library, holding movies nightly, with change of program three times per week (14 different shows were screened during that particular month), one softball field, three volley ball courts, and three ping-pong tables were available at all times.

The Group mess of which Headquarters Squadron supplied the majority of personnel, numbered one Officer and fifteen cooks. Maintaining a 24 hour schedule, which was necessary in order to feed transient personnel, the following units were served daily:-

The average strength messing with the Squadron fluctuated freely as per example - on the 1st June 1943, 454 rations were drawn, on the 26th June, 1047 rations were required.

The problem of a 24-hour mess was not to be accepted lightly. Transient personnel arrived throughout the day and night with no specified arrival time and the cooks and Mess supervision was given little indication of how many they must feed or at what time the food was to be prepared. Administration and sanitary inspections were periodically conducted to maintain or improve the messing and housing conditions.

All departments of the Command had been indoctrinated with the idea of constantly improving the services provided. Frequent inspections were made and recommendations for improvements passed on to the department head. Personnel of the Squadron were required to drill one hour per week and two administrative classes were conducted each week to provide both the Officers and men with hints of improvement in efficiency elimination of waste, and correct understanding of every day procedure.

On 7 June 1943, per General Order No. 24. Headquarters 45th Service Group, USAAF, 4 Enlisted Men were awarded the motor vehicle mechanics award, 9 Enlisted Men were awarded the Driver's Wheeled vehicle award, and 1 Enlisted Man was given the Driver's award for a track laying vehicle.

S/Sgt Edgar L. Stephenson was appointed First Sergeant on 22 July 1943 per Special Order No. 70, Headquarters 45th Service Group vice First Sergeant Floyd T. Thompson who successfully passed the examination for Officers Candidate School.

Highlighting the month's events was the increase of personnel for operation at the base. The 35th Service Group moved to this station on 11 March 1944 and was placed under the operational control of the 45th Service Group. To accomplish this operational control, Group Headquarters was designated as "Base Headquarters", 45th Service Group, a suitable officer from either group was appointed to head each base function. These appointments to head each base function were made on orders issued by the newly established Base Headquarters and were designated as base duties such as "Base Engineering Officer". All appointments to base duties were specified "in addition to his other duties". Appointments of Officers to group duties according to table of organisation was controlled by each group. Enlisted personnel were assigned to base functions from either group, as was deemed necessary.

The mission of the 45th Service Group, in which Headquarters Squadron played a major role by 1 April 1944, consisted of the following duties:-

The 35th Service Group which consisted of Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron and the 1617th Ordnance S&M Co (Avn), joined the command on 11 March 1944, and for the purpose of operating Garbutt Airfield and Project 2, it was under the operational control of Base Headquarters, 45th Service Group.

May 1944 saw more personnel on Rotation Orders for return to the United States. W/O Frank A. Benham, formerly of the 19th Bomb Group left on the 9 May 1944 for Rotation Detachment, 17th Replacement Bn, APO 923, per Par #1 SO #68, Hq VASAC, APO 710, and two days later Staff Sergeant Fisher and Corporal Gundy departed for Brisbane on the same authority.

During May 1944, a Base Sanitary Officer was appointed. His duties included inspecting and making recommendations for the sanitation of the Mess Halls, latrines, and camp area of all units attached to the 45th Service Group for medical care. In addition he supervised all the mosquito control work in the local areas.

A complete new policy of operation was setup for the operation of the Transportation Section, which resulted in more efficient operation and maintenance. Light transportation was moved to a new location in the Project 2 area. Airfield vehicles began to operate from the building formerly used as a Motor Pool. In addition to improvements in facilities and location, two officers were assigned to transportation. Records, Rosters and Reports were maintained in one central office however.

The consolidated Enlisted Men's mess for the base units moved into a new and spacious mess hall during the month. Construction and alterations continued into the early portion of July 1944.

A large tent housing the Base Day Room and Motion Picture Theatre was erected during that period and it was constructed to seat 1,500 persons. It was equipped with complete stage and dressing rooms, pool and ping pong tables, badminton and volley ball courts. In addition five day rooms were erected during the same period so that each unit under the command had a suitable place for off duty relaxation.

On 26 May 1944, 5 Officers and 109 Enlisted Men of the 93rd Airdrome Squadron joined Headquarters Squadron to become attached for rations and administration. The operation was completed by verbal orders from the Commanding Officer of VASAC and the new arrivals were billeted adjacent to the Headquarters Squadron area on Project #2.

By 5 June 1944, the remainder of the 93rd Airdrome Squadron, 146 Enlisted Men and 11 Officers arrived from Brisbane and became attached to the organisation for rations only. Three days later 227 Enlisted Men from the 8th Service Squadron were attached for rations only and the average meal attendance for a short time was well over a thousand pieces.

During June 1944, the Squadron underwent another change in Commanding Officers as Captain William W. Guthrie was relieved of the assignment and First Lieutenant John A. Murry assumed the position. Captain Guthrie was transferred to Headquarters Advance Echelon 5th AF, APO 713, per par 7, SO #153, Hq Fifth Air Force (30). By the end of July 1944, Headquarters Squadron had given indication of expansion and during that period 17 men were assigned to the organisation.

The Base Theatre moved into the circus tent on 6 August 1944, where the added features of better sound and better screening had greatly increased the value of the theatre. The new theatre was the scene of two USO Shows during the month; the Judith Anderson Company and the Jackie Hiller Unit. In addition to these shows, the Combat Intelligence Team appeared for two evenings in the Base Theatre, and all of the units on Project 2 were required to hear the lecture.

Upon receipt of USAFFE Circular #43 dated 30 May 1944 and FEAF Regulation 25-9, dated 26 June 1944, a complete immunisation survey was made of all organisations attached for medical care. All required immunisations were accomplished, with the exception of cholera and typhus which was completed when the vaccines were made available.

On 16 August 1944, 23 Enlisted Men and one Officer were relieved from assignment with Headquarters Squadron and other Base Units and were activated into a Detachment of the 265th Company, 91st Replacement Battalion.

The Detachment assumed responsibility for the operations of the Transient Camp. Billets for transient field grade and general Officers still remained the responsibility of the Base however.

Ten Officers and forty Enlisted Men were absorbed into the 45th Service Group, the majority going to Headquarters Squadron upon the disbandment of the 35th Service Group during the middle of August 1944.The bulk of the remainder assumed duties throughout VASAC.

On 3 October 1944, Lt. Colonel Clarence V. McCauley was relieved from assignment with the 45th Service Group and was assigned to the 11th Air Service Squadron, APO 923, per par 17, SO #80, Hq FEASC, APO 923. By the 5 October 1944, Lt. Colonel Claude F. Gilchrist was assigned to the organisation per par 1 SO #68, Base Hq, 45th Service Group, and he assumed command per GO #5, Hq, 45th Service Group, APO 922.

During the same period the Transportation Section maintained 106 light vehicles in the Base Motor Pool (a gain of 17) and 43 refueling units and special purpose vehicles were operated in heavy transportation.

The Refueling Section assumed responsibility for servicing Flight Test Section of FEASC Depot #2, increasing the issue of 100-octane gasoline by 78, 121 gallons and in addition to its regular duties transferred 22,000 gallons of gasoline from storage tanks near Woodstock to Garbutt Airfield.

On 20 August 1944, 74 Enlisted Men and 1 Officer were placed on Detached Service with Headquarters Squadron enroute to join the 1124th MP Co. A rapid increase of personnel had begun at that point. Within the next eight days, 45 Enlisted Men were attached to the organisation from Hq Sq, FEASC.

November 1944 incurred some drastic changes beginning with the 2 November 1944, when 75 Enlisted Men from the 1124th MP Co. joined the unit and moved into the already crowded quarters. Four days later 35 men from the 93rd Airdrome Squadron were placed on Detached Service per par 8 SO #77, Base Hq, 45th Service Group. The following is a list of changes as reported day by day:-

The 45th Service Group assumed responsibility for the B-25H Project at Depot #2 on 16 November 1944 and as attached men were added to the Section, the personnel increased from 65 to 164 men. The first week consisted of organising the hangar personnel and securing the necessary operating equipment. The Project was responsible for accomplishing a normal 100 hour inspection and any additional maintenance required in preparing these aircraft for return to the United States. Originally the Project consisted of sixty five each B-25H's, and due to that number, the Project was being run on a production line. The 100 hour inspection showed in most cases, that the aircraft needed a varied amount of sheet metal, propeller work, and cylinder changes. That work had been accomplished by the Shop Section of the 45th Service Group.

Besides the Modification Department, two other Sections were performing equally important tasks. One Officer and 26 Enlisted Men were working under the direction of FEASC Depot #2 on a C-47 Project, while another Officer and 7 Enlisted Men were carrying on aircraft inspections of the B-25H Project, the C-47 Project, and transient and assigned aircraft. Technical Inspections were made by this Department of various Sections and Departments of this base and a report was made to the Commanding Officer.

On 4 December 1944, Headquarters Squadron moved from Project #2, Garbutt Airfield to FEASC Depot #2. Although the men actually changed quarters and mess on that date, movement of Squadron equipment had been accomplished several days earlier in a more gradual fashion.

Hq & Hq Squadron, 45th Service Group's strength as of 31 January 1945 was 171 Enlisted Men and 29 Officers. The B-25 Project which had started on 16 November 1944 was officially terminated on 15 January 1945. The B-25 Project accomplished a normal 100 hour inspection and any necessary additional maintenance on sixty five B-25Hs which were being prepared for return to the United States.

In February 1945, traffic at Garbutt Airfield had decreased and the staff at Operations was reduced accordingly. There were 1650 departures and 1601 arrivals at Garbutt Airfield in February 1945. Civilian aircraft movements accounted for 220 of these and 157 were local test hops. Engineering activities in February 1945 were practically at a standstill. An occasional "Fat Cat" flown down from the "hardships zone" demanded some attention and transient aircraft also required some attention.

Special Services had a stepped up program of recreational activities. A stage production titled "That's All Brother" was delivered to the group as well as to the patients of the 89th Station Hospital. A program of inter unit competition in athletics was successfully introduced. Headquarters Squadron produced a softball team of no mean ability.

During February 1945, Private Roy Hanson from the Dispatcher's Desk in the Motor Pool died as a result of injuries received in the collision of a motor cycle which he was riding and a civilian vehicle.

The men of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron held a dance at the Palais Royal in the heart of downtown Townsville in February 1945. The presence of grog and women served to aid the boys in forgetting the rigours of APO 922 for one night.

In May 1945, the Engineering Section was in the process of gathering up loose ends and closing up shop permanently. Engine changes on Colonel Pettis' B-25 was one of the last major activities for the Section. The last of the C-47s which involved conversion of electrical systems, was about ready to roll out of the test line. Base Operations reported 1,823 arrivals and 1,799 aircraft departures. 163 RAF aircraft passed through Garbutt Airfield in May 1945.

Social activities were somewhat curtailed due to their impending move to a new location. The regular Friday night dances were still being held in Helton Hall and the Sunday afternoon beer calls were well attended. The Quartermaster Section had a small dinner party complete with thick juicy steaks, plenty of beer and charming young ladies.

The strength of the Squadron as of 31 May 1945 was 173 Enlisted Men and 23 Officers. Warehouse No. 22 at the Townsville Air Depot was destroyed by fire in June 1945. Captain Walsh of the Inspector General's Department was in Townsville in July 1945 to investigate the fire which destroyed Warehouse No. 22.

In July 1945, the 45th Air Service Group was the only USAAF unit remaining in its entirety at the Townsville Air Depot. Small Detachments of three other organisations were still there in Townsville and Officers from the 45th Sir Service Group had been placed in command of two of them, as they had no Officers of their respective parent organisation present with them. The 45th's Group Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Claude F. Gilchrist assumed command of the Townsville Air Depot.

The 45th Air Service Group relocated to Clark Field in the Philippines in August 1945. Seven plane loads of men and equipment were involved in implementing the relocation to Clarke Field. The last detachment of men and equipment were loaded onboard the ship S.S. Chas. J. Golden which left Townsville on 25 August 1945.

Station List ? Edition
15 April 1942
45th Air Base Group, Hq and Hq Squadron 15 Officers, 151 EM
8th Materiel Squadron, 11 Officers, 232 EM
453 Ordnance Co (Bomb Av less 2 platoons) 4 Officers, 104 EM
Medical Detachment 16 EM
Medical (8 Material Squadron ) 43 EM
4 Quartermaster Detachment (Avn Sup) 46th Air Base Group 1 Officer, 40 EM

Station List 17th Edition
11 June to 19 June 1942
45th Air Base Group Hq & Hqs Squadron
8th Materiel Squadron
205th Quartermaster Platoon Service Center (Aviation) - Old designation - Detachment 4th Quartermaster Company Sup (Aviation)
621st Quartermaster Platoon (Aviation) (LM) - Old designation Company "D" 89th Quartermaster Battalion (LM)
Detachment 176th Signal Rep Company
63rd Bomb Squadron, 43rd Bomb Group (H) (with no aircraft)
1 Platoon 441st Ordnance Company (Aviation) B - Enroute from Sydney, NSW

Station List 18th Edition
19 June to 26 June 1942
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 45th Air Base Group
8th Materiel Squadron
205th Quartermaster Platoon Service Center (Aviation) - Old designation - Detachment 4th Quartermaster Company Sup (Aviation)
621st Quartermaster Platoon (Aviation) (LM) - Old designation Company "D" 89th Quartermaster Battalion (LM)
Detachment 176th Signal Rep Company
63rd Bomb Squadron, 43rd Bomb Group (H) (with no aircraft)
441st Ordnance Company (Avn) B, 1 Platoon
172nd Station Hospital - Enroute from Melbourne

Station List - 25th Edition
29 August to 8 September 1942
Operational Training Group # 1
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 45th Service Group
8th Service Squadron, 45th Service Group
Decon Det 2nd Chemical Company (Aviation), attached to 8th Service Squadron
205th Quartermaster Company Service Group (Aviation), 45th Service Group
174th Station Hospital
Detachment 176th Signal Rep Company
621st Quartermaster Company (Aviation) (MM)
Detachment 713th Ordnance Company (Aviation) SG
Detachment Headquarters and 2nd Platoon 812th Quartermaster Company (Truck)

Station List 26th Edition
8 September to 19 September 1942
Operational Training Group # 1
18th Portable Hospital
Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 45th Service Group
8th Service Squadron, 45th Service Group
205th Quartermaster Company Service Group (Aviation), 45th Service Group
174th Station Hospital
Detachment 176th Signal Rep Company
450th Service Squadron (Provisional)
621st Quartermaster Company (Aviation) MM
Detachment 713th Ordnance Company (Aviation) SG
Detachment Headquarters and 2nd Platoon 812th Quartermaster Company (Truck)

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AREA	BUILDING	ASSIGNMENT
A	1	Guardhouse
A	2	Kitchen - Hq & Hq Sq 45th Air Base Gp
A	3	Enlisted Men Mess, Hq & Hq Sq, 45th Air Base Gp
A	4	Officers & WNEL Mess - Hq & Hq Sq, 45th Air Base Gp
A	5	Meat House - Hq & Hq Sq, 45th Air Base Gp
A	6	Garbage Bins - Hq & Hq Sq, 45th Air Base Gp
A	7	Kitchen Stores - Hq & Hq Sq, 45th Air Base Gp
A	8	Hq Sq Mess Hall
A	9	Base Headquarters
A	10	Latrine & Ablutions - 1st 3 grades and Security Section
A	11	Latrine & Ablutions - Officers & WNEL
A	14	Medical, Dental Hit, Base Surgeon
A	15	Recreation - Chaplain
A	16	Sleeping Huts, 1st 3 grades, Hq & Hq Sq, 45th AB Gp
A	17	Sleeping Huts, 1st 3 grades, Hq & Hq Sq, 45th AB Gp
A	18	Sleeping Huts, 1st 3 grades, Hq & Hq Sq, 45th AB Gp
A	19	Air Flash & Message Center
A	20	Officers Quarters
A	21	Officers Quarters
A	22	Transportation, Technical Inspection, & Class Room
A	23	Communications & Signal Repair Platoon
B	25	Kitchen - 8th Materiel Squadron
B	26	Mess Hall - 8th Materiel Squadron
B	31	Kitchen Stores & Orderly Room - 8th Materiel Sq.
B	35	Latrine & Ablutions - 8th Materiel Sq.
B	37	Latrine & Ablutions - Hq & Hq Sq, 45th AB Gp
B	39	Boiler House - 8th Materiel Squadron
B	40	Boiler House - Hq & Hq Sq, 45th AB Gp
B	88	Quartermaster
B	89	Quartermaster
C	65	Air Corps Supply
C	68	Air Corps Supply
C	69	Air Corps Supply
C	72	Air Corps Supply
C	76	Air Corps Supply
C	77	Air Corps Supply
C	86	Air Corps Supply

Headquarters Squadron	10 Officers 1 WOJG 142 Enlisted Men
1158th QM Co.	6 Officers 71 Enlisted Men
1058th Sig. Co.	5 Officers 79 Enlisted Men

Headquarters Squadron - Enlisted Men - Asgd present and absent	183
Attached - Present and absent	3
Total	186

Enlisted Men - Assigned, present and absent	198
Attached	410
Total	608