Location
Oxley Airfield was located near the Puriata River in southwestern Bougainville. Also known as "Oxley Strip".
Construction
Built by the Australian Army during early 1945.
Naming Honors
Named in honor of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Flying Officer Moreland J. Oxley MIA February 6, 1945 piloting a Boomerang A46-216 from 5 Squadron.
Wartime History
Used by RAAF Taylorcraft Auster to provide close air support for artillery spotting and message dropping in support of Australian Army soldiers in the area.
On May 22, 1945 Auster A11-26 crashed after a stalled landing at Oxley Strip.
Today
Disused since the Pacific War.
References
WW2 Nominal Roll - Moreland James Oxley
AWM - Auster airstrip near Puriata River, Bougainville - Oxley Field, Bougainville (ART22418)
AWM - Austers (ART25211)
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Last Updated
April 19, 2021
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