86 Squadron

86 SQUADRON - RAAF
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

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Bohle River airfield

The Kittyhawks of 86 Squadron RAAF moved from Gawler to the Townsville area on 6 May 1943. They relocated to Merauke in New Guinea on 5 July 1943.

The squadron moved from Merauke to the Bohle airfield to be disbanded on 26 May 1944. They reformed at Macrossan on 25 June 1944. The squadron moved from Macrossan to the Bohle airfield again on 10 January 1945. The Bohle airfield is now the site of the Townsville drag strip.

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Kittyhawks and Mustangs at Bohle River airfield - July 1945
Looks like "The Pinnacles" in the far right of the picture

The following photos were given to me by Peter Howard, ex 86 Squadron pilot
Photo: Peter Howard	P40 Kittyhawks of 86 Squadron at Bohle River airfield and Wirraway A20-617 in about mid 1945.
Photo: Peter Howard	P40 Kittyhawk of 86 Squadron at Bohle River airfield in about mide 1945.
Photo: Peter Howard	P40 Kittyhawks and P51 Mustangs at Bohle River airfield in July 1945 The Mustang landing is coming in on a "dead stick" landing with no power. It is piloted by W/O Tony E. Webb

86 Squadron carried out army co-operation exercises, bombing and strafing practice, and general flying training. In July 1945, 86 Squadron began preparation for their re-equipment program. Their first Mustang, A68-506 arrived at Bohle River airfield on 5 July 1945 on transfer from 84 Squadron. The first aircraft on actual allotment from 6 AD arrived on 7 July 1945. Unfortunately the aircraft's tail-wheel retracted after landing and the tail was damaged.

Two Kittyhawks of 86 Squadron
collide at Bohle River on 9 March 1945

Crash landing of a Kittyhawk
at Bohle River airfield on 8 April 1945

Mid air collision of two Kittyhawks
just north of Townsville on 4 July 1945

Mishap with a Mustang
at Bohle River airfield
on 7 July 1945

Crash of a Mustang at Bohle River airfield
on 5 August 1945

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6 August 1945 - Mustangs of 84 Squadron and 86 Squadron
lined up at Garbutt for a visit by the Duke of York (I've had
to touch up this photo to remove damage by insects)

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