7 JULY 1945
MISHAP WITH A MUSTANG
AT BOHLE RIVER AIRFIELD, QLD

Photo:- Gordon Birkett Collection

P-51 Mustang A68-506

The first Mustang for 86 Squadron RAAF based at Bohle River airfield, P-51K-10-NT Mustang IVa A68-506 (#44-12482) arrived at Bohle River airfield on 5 July 1945 on transfer from 84 Squadron.  Unfortunately the aircraft's tail-wheel collapsed after landing at Bohle River airfield on 7 July 1945 due to hydraulic failure and the tail was damaged. Mustang A68-506 was issued to No. 3 Aircraft Depot for disposal.

The first Mustang on actual allotment from 6 AD arrived on 7 July 1945.

Note:- The book "Diary of World War II North Queensland" shows this accident happening on 9 August 1945 with Flying Officer W. G. Broomhead as the pilot. Possibly William Gunson Bromhead (403424) rather than Broomhead.

REFERENCE BOOK

"Aircraft of the RAAF 1921- 71"
By Geoffrey Pentland & Peter Malone

"Diary of World War II North Queensland"
by Peter Nielsen

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Gordon Birkett for his assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 18 September 1999

This page last updated 07 February 2020