49TH DEPOT REPAIR SQUADRON
OF 49TH AIR DEPOT GROUP
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

The 49th Depot Repair Squadron was activated and organised as a unit of the 49th Air Depot Group on 15 February 1943, on the authority of G.O. 18, Hqs, Duncan Field SAAD, San Antonio, Texas. The first Commanding Officer was Captain Douglas Campbell. In April 1943, command was assumed by Captain Ernest R. Paul. After spending time training at Kelly Field and Stinson Field. The unit boarded a troop train at Berg's Mill at 2130 CWT hours on 13 January 1944 and arrived at Camp Stoneman, Pittsburg, California on 17 January 1944.

On 6 February 1944, the Unit left Camp Stoneman on foot at 1300 CWT hours to Pittsburg and embarked S. S. Catalina. They arrived at Dock #6 Oakland at 1800 PWT hours. The troops immediately embarked the S.S. Sea Corporal at 0845 PWT hours on 7 February 1944. The S.S. Sea Corporal left Oakland docks enroute to Brisbane, Australia.

The Unit disembarked at Brisbane docks at 1800 hours on 24 February 1944 and marched 2 miles to nearby Camp Doomben and the Doomben Racecourse. As they had been exposed to spinal meningitis aboard ship, they were all quarantined in Camp Doomben for two weeks.

On 17 March 1944, one Officer and thirty eight Enlisted Men of the 49th Depot Repair Squadron were assigned on Detached Service with the 81st Air Depot Group by orders of Commanding General, Fifth Air Force Service Command, for the purpose of remodelling P-38 Lightnings and P-47 Thunderbolts.

At 2250 hours on 23 March 1944, the entire Unit departed Camp Doomben by foot enroute to nearby Bretts Wharf, on the Brisbane River and embarked on the S.S. R. P. Warner at 0030 hours on 24 March 1944. The ship departed Bretts Wharf at 0245 hours on 24 March 1944 enroute to Townsville in north Queensland. The S.S. R. P. Warner anchored in Cleveland Bay at 0800 hours on 28 March 1944. The weather for the three days of the journey from Brisbane had been very inclement. Most of their food had spoiled and their quarters became very wet and disagreeable. After the wind calmed and the rain ceased they docked at Townsville at 1830 hours on 29 March 1944.

The troops travelled by motor truck convoy to Armstrong's Paddock a US Army camp in Townsville. They departed Armstrong's Paddock at 1930 hours on 31 March 1944 by motor convoy and embarked again on S.S. R.P. Warner which left Townsville Harbour at 0700 hours on 1 April 1944. They proceeded to Thursday Island where they were joined by another Liberty ship and a Corvette escort. After being anchored for forty hours, the convoy continued on to Darwin in the Northern Territory. The ship arrived in Darwin Harbour at 1600 hours on 8 April 1944. The troops disembarked via landing barges and travelled by trucks to Depot #4 Darwin at the RAAF Airfield arriving there at 2100 hours. Duties at this Depot centered entirely about construction of the Depot.

On 2 May 1944, five Enlisted Men left on Detached Service to a special brake school at Fifth Air Force Service Command, in Sydney, New South Wales.

On 2 May 1944, a B-24 Liberator crashed on landing from a test flight after major overhaul by 49th Depot Repair Squadron mechanics. 2nd Lt. Eicher, co-pilot, received injuries above his right eye and left arm. The B-24 was salvaged.

On 12 May 1944, another B-24 Liberator crashed on turning out to the runway for delivery. The aircraft was repaired.

In May/June 1944, one Officer and twenty Enlisted Men returned from Detached Service with the 81st Air Depot Group. Three B-24s were "sold" from the repair shops, and four additional ones were received for 500 hour inspections and engine changes. A large percentage of the Squadron personnel continued work on construction for the completion of Depot #4 Darwin.

By the end of June 1944 the 49th Depot Repair Squadron's strength stood at 11 Officers and 374 Enlisted Men. On 18 June 1944, the 49th Depot Repair Squadron moved by motor convoy with the 49th Air Depot Group to a new camp area in the Darwin area.

From the Repair Shops, one B-24D Liberator was "sold" in June 1944 after receiving a 500 hour inspection. Other aircraft received minor repairs by the Flight and Operations Department. One B-24J Liberator was received for sheet metal nose repairs.

The Squadron participated in an air raid alarm caused by a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft on 10 June 1944.

In July 1944, three B-24 Liberators were received for 500 hour inspections and two were "sold". Four B-24 Liberators were received for complete overhauls and one was "sold". Seven B-24 Liberators were received for major repairs and 4 were "sold". Other aircraft received minor repairs by the Flight and Operations Department.

In August 1944, 9 Enlisted Men assigned to the Oxygen Generating Section, returned from Detached Service with the 30th Service Squadron. Their return and the receipt of equipment enabled the Squadron to complete the Oxygen Generating Section. Receipt of other equipment enable the Squadron to complete the Electro-plating Section also. Both Sections were operating satisfactorily.

In August 1944, 13 B-24 Liberators were released from the shops after receiving inspections, repairs or modifications. Three B-24s received 500 hour inspections and one received a 300 hour inspection. Parts were also received for repairs and modifications  and released upon completion of the jobs. Almost daily, small crews of men were sent to the 380th Bombardment Group for sheet metal, fabric, armament, and hydraulic jobs not exceeding 30 or 40 hours.

In August 1944, one Officer and six Enlisted Men from the RAAF were receiving training from the 49th Depot Repair Squadron in field maintenance problems and minor overhaul of instruments and bombsights. The training lasted for six weeks. All personnel from the 49th Depot Repair Squadron were attending weekly lectures in medical treatment. The lectures lasted for 6 weeks and equipped personnel to take better medical care of themselves.

In August 1944, the Squadron's Supply Section prepared elaborate plans for evacuation and started to pack items which they did not expect to use in the future thus allowing them to act quickly and intelligently in case movement orders were received. The Squadron's baseball team defeated their opponents by a score of 7-0 in the opening game of a new series.

In August 1944, 3 Officers and 6 Enlisted Men from the RAAF received training in the Instrument Shops. The Yanks learned Aussie Slang and received many tips about the native women. Both parties believed the knowledge gained would be very useful in the present war.

In September 1944, despite many earlier rumours of possible movements to China or the Philippines, the 49th Depot Repair Squadron was still based in Darwin. They were getting used to the red dust being on their clothes and in their cots. Major Michael J. Galer was assigned to the Squadron as Operations Officer and two Enlisted Men were transferred out of the Squadron giving them a Strength of 12 Officers and 371 Enlisted Men.

In September 1944, three C-47s were kept busy transporting supplies and personnel to and from Townsville and other places. Major Galer and Lt. Eicher made two trips each to Bathurst Island in L-5s. Three of the trips were made to carry cargo and mail to the personnel of the AACS Radar Station on Bathurst Island. Major Galer made the other trip to bring back a man with a fractured foot. The L-5s would land on the beaches on the Island.

On the morning of 11 September 1944, Lt. Morrison crashed in a CW-22B whilst landing. A defective braking assembly was found to be at fault. The aircraft was a total wreck, and the men found it hard to understand why Lt. Morrison was in much better shape than his aircraft. Lt. Morrison spent a few days in hospital being patched up and resumed flying. In September 1944, the Squadron received 13 B-24 Liberators, 3 C-47s and 1 UC-78. The Squadron completed major overhauls on 1 B-24J Liberator and 1 C-47A, minor repairs on 6 B-24 Liberators and 1 C-47A and completed 50 hour inspections on 2 B-24 Liberators. 1 CW-22B and 1 B-24 Liberator were salvaged. By the end of September 1944, they still had 12 B-24s, 1 C-47A and 1 UC-78 on hand.

The American Red Cross girls served coffee and donuts to the men every day from a portable restaurant mounted on a truck. They would blow the truck's horn to announce they had the food ready.

By September 1944, the Squadron's Volley Ball team had tied for third place with the 882nd Signal Company. The League results were as follows:-

The Squadron's basketball team won two out of three games from the Independents, which was a team consisting of men from various organisations, and won two out of three games from the 49th Depot Supply Squadron with scores of 20-19, 26-13 and 34-25. The team lost a close game to the US Navy in Darwin on their own court by a score of 30-28 in front of an audience of at least 1,000 people. They lost both times they played the 30th Service Squadron, considered to be the best team in the Northern Territory. Scores were 34-24 and 42-33. The Squadron's team entered the local league in October 1944.

The 49th Depot Repair Squadron's baseball team played the first five games of a tournament, winning three and losing two. They won against the 2701st Trucking Company, the Independents and the 1160th Quartermaster Company by scores of 7-0, 6-2, and 9-3 respectively. They lost to the 882nd Signal Company and the 1955th Ordnance Company by scores of 3-2 and 3-0 respectively. Technical Sergeant Longo, the team manager was sent to the 42nd General Hospital for treatment of a fractured back. Corporal Berkoben replaced Sergeant Longo. Amongst the rumours heard in September 1944, was a pleasant one which suggested that 500 WACs were arriving in Darwin soon.

The men spent a lot of time in September 1944 improving the drainage systems around their tents due to the regular torrential rain.

In October 1944, the Squadron's three C-47s continued to transport personnel and supplies to and from Darwin and the L-5s continued to transport supplies to Bathurst Island. The 49th Depot Repair Squadron helped the US Navy by transporting one of their Enlisted Men with a broken back to Brisbane for medical treatment. The 49th Depot Repair Squadron continued to service the 380th Bomb Group aircraft. During October 1944, the Squadron completed one major overhaul and nine minor repairs of C-47s and seven major overhauls and twelve minor overhauls of B-24 Liberators. The games of volley ball and baseball were discontinued as the players wanted a rest and because the heavy rains hindered the games. The basketball team however managed to play two games winning a game against the Officers of the 380th Bomb Group by 38-26 and losing to the 1160th Quartermaster Company by 42-22.

The 30th Service Squadron was reassigned to a new Station in November 1944, leaving the 49th Depot Repair Squadron as the only unit maintaining the shops in Depot #4 at Darwin, with the exception of ten men from other units. The Squadron turned out fifteen B-24 Liberators including two minor overhauls, one major overhaul, eight complete overhauls and four salvages in November 1944. Two C-47s were also turned out including one major overhaul and one minor overhaul. It was noticed that there was an increase in the number of work orders initiated by the 380th Bomb Group indicating closer coordination between the activities of Depot #4 and the tactical group.

The Squadron received the first of eight lectures in November 1944 about the Philippine Islands. It was delivered by an Officer and NCO of the Squadron. A softball field was under construction in November 1944 and a number of softball teams were shaping up.

In December 1944, there was a pronounced rise in morale due to the plentiful turkeys and trimmings for Christmas dinner and a large number of Christmas packages received. A total of three Officers and 49 Enlisted Men were also sent to Adelaide for rest and recuperation.

In December 1944, the 49th Depot Repair Squadron turned out ten B-24 Liberators including four complete overhauls, six minor overhauls and four C-47s, including two major overhauls and two minor overhauls. They also completed a large number of minor repairs and modification on transient B-24 Liberators, B-25 Mitchells, and other aircraft. Two B-24 Liberators were salvaged.

In December 1944, the first forced landing of any 49th Air Depot Group aircraft since its ten months of existence occurred when B-24 Liberator "Tim-ber" #42-40111 c/n 1188 made a forced landing at Inverleigh Airfield in western Queensland at the bottom of the Gulf of Carpentaria when its No. 3 engine failed. 1st Lt. Buckalew and 1st Lt. Morrison of the 49th Depot Repair Squadron only managed to reach Inverleigh, which was located about 750 miles south east of Darwin, by throwing out a large amounts of their cargo to maintain altitude. Cpl. DeGrey, the Radio Operator, also of the 49th Depot Repair Squadron, sent messages until the batteries died. Because no aircraft were available for Depot #4 in Darwin, a B-24 Liberator from the 380th Bomb Group carried mechanics from the 49th Depot Repair Squadron to Inverleigh with parts to repair "Tim-ber", which remained on the ground for ten days. After it took off it proceeded to Townsville.

The last seven of eight lectures about the Philippine Islands were delivered by Officers and NCOs of the 49th Depot Repair Squadron. The men found the lectures both enlightening and interesting. Heat Rashes amongst the men were common in December 1944 due to the intense heat.

The strength for the 49th Depot Repair Squadron in January 1945 was eleven Officers and three hundred and forty-nine Enlisted Men.

During January 1945 the 49th Depot Repair Squadron turned out thirteen B-24 Liberators and two C-47s and started salvaging two B-24 Liberators. They also completed minor repairs and modifications on transient B-24 Liberators, C-46s, and C-47s, and continued salvage work that had been started the previous month. Plans were made to salvage a B-25 Mitchell that crashed near Tennant Creek.

In January 1945 plans continued for their move to their next Station. Logistics for their air and sea movements had been compiled earlier. In January 1945 they compiled logistics for an overland move to Townsville. Seventy six of the estimated one thousand three hundred and forty-seven boxes required to move their equipment had already been packed. Boxes were still being made and packed. A large amount of time was spent in aiding the 380th Bomb Group in their move also.

The Enlisted Men had a party on 6 January 1945 where they had a G.I. Orchestra, about thirty five women, consisting of American and Australian Red Cross girls and AWAS girls, and refreshments purchased from the Squadron fund.

February 1945 was a very busy month for the 49th Depot Repair Squadron. They serviced and repaired their own and other aircraft, they helped with the 380th Bomb Group move, and they prepared for their own movement. It rained a lot during February 1945.

The Squadron was informed in February 1945 that they were eligible for battle honours for participation in the New Guinea Campaign by General Order No. 18, Hqs USAFFE, APO 501, dated January 1945.

The Squadron turned out sixteen B-24 Liberators during February 1945. Three of them were in for major overhaul and the remaining thirteen for miscellaneous repairs. At the end of February 1945, four B-24 Liberators were still assigned to the Squadron. Three C-47s. were overhauled during February. The salvaging of all B-24 Liberators started in previous months were completed in January 1945, and so was the salvaging of the B-25 Mitchell at Tennant Creek, N.T.

The 49th Depot Repair Squadron made certain that all of the 380th Bomb Group’s aircraft that left were in perfect condition before leaving and aided the Group in their move in numerous other ways. By the end of February 1945, all of their equipment was packed ready for shipment except that which was absolutely essential for daily use.

In February 1945, the Pilots of the 49th Depot Repair Squadron flew twenty-two missions carrying personnel and cargo. Six trips were to Biak, four to Brisbane, three to Adelaide, two to Carrie (probably Gorrie), two to Tennant Creek, one to Bathurst (probably Bathurst Island) and one to Hollandia. The trip to Bathurst (probably Bathurst Island) was made by Lt. Eicher in an L-5 to bring back a man who had a leg infection.

At the end of February 1945, Officers and Enlisted Men from the Inspector General’s Department, FEASC, were inspecting the Squadron.

One Officer and forty-six Enlisted Men went on Detached Service to Adelaide for rest and recuperation during February 1945. So far one hundred and eighty nine men have participated in this R & R leave to Adelaide.

The 49th Depot Repair Squadron had two softball teams, the “Short Circuits” and the “Furloughs” playing in a league of eight teams. The “Short Circuits” played three games and won one game 10-7, lost one 9-0 and tied one 0-0. The “Furloughs” had played four games by the end of February 1945 and won all games by scores of 14-4, 9-0, 5-0 and 7-0.

The 49th Depot Repair Squadron closed its shops at APO921 Darwin completely on 25 March 1945. Up until then they had completed minor repairs on two C-54 aircraft and two B-24J Liberators and two engine changes on one C-47. They repacked forty parachutes, built up ten engines, completely reconditioned 3,000 spark plugs, and completely overhauled forty propeller governors and ten propellers.

The Squadron finished all their packing and started to load their equipment on the Liberty ship “Oscar Underwood” bound for Manila.

While Major General McMullen was in Biak, he decided that a Repair Squadron was needed there. He then flew to Darwin and ordered the 49th Depot Repair Squadron to move to Biak. His plans were to send C-46 or C-47 aircraft from the IV Air Service Area Command to Darwin to move the 49th Depot Repair Squadron.

While waiting for transportation, the Squadron continued their work on loading the Liberty ship. They planned to move all the men into permanent buildings such as the Orderly Room, the Supply Room, the Recreation Hall, the Officers Mess, etc so that they could pack up their tents.

By the end of March 1945, the 49th Depot Repair Squadron believed that they may have to disassemble three hangars and pack them before they leave Darwin. They were so busy finalising packing and preparing for their move that they did not participate in any sport activities.

At the end of April 1945, the unit strength was ten Officers and three hundred and forty-six Enlisted Men. The Squadron moved its Headquarters to Depot #3 at Biak in the Netherlands East Indies on 5 April 1945. Major Ernest R. Paul, the Commanding Officer, S/Sgt Sidney B. Williams, the Company Clerk, S/Sgt Enoch W. Cook, the Personnel Sergeant, and Corporal George C. Box, the File Clerk, departed Darwin for Biak on a C-47 with two Field desks and a safe, containing Squadron records, and a typewriter. S/Sgt Elbert L. Croslin, the Supply Sergeant, and eleven Enlisted Men from the Bombsight and Instrument Section accompanied them. The C-47 landed on Biak the same day, thus establishing their Headquarters there. They were then attached to the IV Air Service Area Command. Soon after their arrival, the Commanding General of the IV ASAC attached the 49th Depot Repair Squadron to the 13th Air Depot Group.

IV ASAC continued to send C-47s to Darwin to backload the Squadron until they had moved a total on 3 Officers and three hundred and five Enlisted Men, 30,950 pounds of personal baggage, 20,200 pounds of housekeeping equipment, 12,175 pounds of hand tools, and five jeeps weighing 11,625 pounds. They completed the move on the 16 April 1945 having moved a total of three hundred and eight personnel and 74,950 pounds of equipment in twenty five C-47 planeloads.

While at Darwin the 49th Depot Repair Squadron had erected two hangars, each consisting of one and a half Butler Hangars. They started to tear down and pack these hangars on 5 April 1945 and completed the job on 14 April 1945. The job was made even harder because of men leaving for Biak almost daily. Towards the end they had to employ some of their cooks to help dismantle and pack the two hangars.

1st Lt. Melvin A. Rydberg and fifteen Enlisted Men left Darwin on 7 April 1945 aboard the Liberty ship “Oscar Underwood” bound for Manila with 479.3 tons of equipment. 16 tons of other equipment left on another Liberty ship a week later. The “Oscar Underwood” left Darwin and was still on the high seas at the end of April 1945.

Six Officers and twenty four Enlisted Men remained at Darwin to operate the Flight and Operating Section. This group haul passengers and freight to numerous places in the Pacific area, quite often stopping at Biak (Depot #3).

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This page first produced 17 October 2023

This page last updated 24 October 2023