aerodrome

Rare map of Achiet Airdrome. Historical information about Achiet Airfield prior to the USAAF taking over can be found in this resource: www.ww2.dk/Airfields - France.pdf "Grévillers (FR) (a.k.a. Achiet, Bapaume, Grévillers-Bapaume) (50 06 15N – 02 47 05 E) General: airfield in NE France 20 km S of Arras, 5 km W of Bapaume and 2km W of Grévillers.History: built by the RAF in 1939-40. The Luftwaffe took it over in 1940 and widened one of the runways for use by bombers during the Battle of Britain. Used very little if any at all during 1942 and 1943 during which time it was obstructed and inactive. Dimensions: approx. 1100 x 1000 meters (1200 x 1100 yards). Surface and Runways: both runways (not clear whether prepared or paved) were equipped with permanent illumination and visual Lorenz systems. Fuel and Ammunition: had 3 refueling loops located off the NE corner, onthe SE boundary and at the center of the SW boundary. Ammunition was probably stored in the woods to the SE of the landing area and along the taxi tracks leading to the dispersal areas. Infrastructure: there was 1 small hangar for repairs in the East dispersal area. Probable barrack huts were on the outskirts of Grévillers and Irles and each dispersal area had a cluster of 3 huts that were probably used for offices, crew rooms and stores. A special branch rail line connected the NE corner of the airfield with the Bapaume-Achiet line. Dispersal: had 3 dispersal areas – East, Southeast and West – with a total of 39 large aircraft shelters. Defenses: there were 2 heavy Flak positions and 7 light Flak positions in Oct43, but these were partly unoccupied. Satellites and Decoys: Achiet-Martinpuich (50 02 45 N – 02 46 50 E), dummy located 7.5 km S of Achiet airfield 18 Oct 43: obstructions removed and airfield in use. 13 May 44: both runways prepared for demolition and the Southeast dispersal was being extended to the S. Operational Units: III./KG 1 (Oct 40 – May 41?); III./KG 26 (Feb 41). Station Commands: Fl.Pl.Kdo. A 38/XI (1943 – Mar 44); Flugplatzkdo.Grévillers of Fl.H.Kdtr. E(v) 216/XI Cambrai/Süd (Apr-Sep 44).Station Units (on various dates – not complete): 2. Flugh.Betr.Kp. KG 1 (Oct 40 - May 41). [Sources: AFHRA A5259 pp.1382-85 (8 Jun 43) and A5260 pp.1662-66 (8Jun 43 updated to 18 Oct 43); chronologies; BA-MA; NARA; PRO/NA; website ww2.dk]"

Once the main airport in Brisbane, Archerfield Airport holds a rich history from the time it was first established in the 1930s. Today, Archerfield Airport serves as a major general aviation airport and secondary airport for the city. Within the property are a licensed pub, aircraft hire, flight training facilities and a heritage-listed cemetery. Its art deco passenger terminal remains intact from the time it was built in 1941. This fully preserved structure pretty much gives the present a glimpse of the past. A public aviation museum also exists within the airport. It was in 1927 when the area was first tested by Captain Lester Brian, chief flying instructor for Qantas Airways, to see if it could be used an airfield. The government purchased the site in 1929 to build the airport and named it Archerfield to distinguish it from the surrounding farmlands. On 1 April 1931, the airport officially opened. Qantas moved its operations from Eagle Farm to Archerfield. Ansett ANA and Trans Australia Airlines also offered regular passenger transport services at the airport. During World War II, Archerfield Airport was abuzz with activity as it became a significant airfield for the military. It hosted the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. It was after WWII when the Eagle Farm airport grew in significance and Archerfield got delegated to secondary airport status. The airport turned its focus to flight training afterwards. Today, one of the oldest flying schools in the world, the Royal Queensland Aero Club, still operates at Archerfield. Source: robertsonnews.com.au/rich-history-of-archerfield-airport-...

Royal Queensland Aero Club is the oldest established flying school in the world, this year they will proudly celebrate their 90th anniversary of continuous flying operations. Early members of Royal Queensland Aero Club include many of Australia's most distinguished aviators including Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Bert Hinkler and Lores Bonney. RQAC has a long association with Qantas, having first signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (Qantas) on 28th March 1930. In 1940 the RQAC commenced training of Pilots for the Royal Aust Air Force at Archerfield using Club facilities and aircraft. Royal Queensland Aero Club has a proud heritage of aviation training they have not been content with to rest their proud traditions and reputation. As they enter their 91st year of operations RQAC endeavors to provide flight training at the highest standards with an emphasis on continuous improvement at all times. Source: www.bestaviation.net/school/aeroclub_rqac/

The person on the right is not a mechanic, but radio operator Pieter Pronk