In the immediate post-War World years, refugees from war-torn Europe were resettled in different places across Australia. By 1949, it is estimated that one-tenth of the American/Dutch/Australian Army’s Camp Columbia area became the Wacol East Displaced Persons Holding Camp. In the early 1950s the camp was developed to become the Wacol Migrant Centre, the biggest […]
Migrant children at the Wacol Migrant Centre Read More »
During World War II, the Australian military commander in Brisbane was General Sir Thomas Albert Blamey. Blamey was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces in 1939 and held that position throughout the war. After leading the Australian Forces in Europe and the Middle East he came back to Australia in 1942. Here
Australia’s military commander Thomas Blainey moved his headquarters to Brisbane in 1942 Read More »
Willem Frans Boot. Born 26 November 1906, Zuid-Beijerland. Died: 18 Januari 1987, Den Haag. He joined the Royal Netherlands Navy in 1934. Even before the capitulation from Netherlands East Indies (NEI), staff of the Military Aviation Department of the KNIL(ML-KNIL) were sent to Australia. Most of the department of Captain Willem Frans Boot went Brisbane
Captain Boot the unpopular commander of the 18 NEI RAAF Squadron Read More »
The American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Command, or ABDACOM, was a short-lived, supreme command for all Allied forces in Southeast Asia, the area also included the supply port of Darwin, in the Northern Territory, Australia. ABDA had been established at Bandung, Java on 10 January 1942 and became operational following the declaration of war by Japan on 12 January
The American-British-Dutch-Australian Command – 1942 Read More »
Lieutenant General Richard Kerens Sutherland played a significant role during World War II, particularly as the Chief of Staff to General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Allied Commander in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA). In this article we concentrate on his time in Australia during the war. In early 1942, after the fall of the Philippines,
Lieutenant Sutherland, Chief of Staff to General Douglas MacArthur in Brisbane Read More »
The United States 7th Fleet is responsible for operations in the Western Pacific Ocean. It was formed on March 15, 1943, in Brisbane, Australia, during World War II. The fleet was initially commanded by Vice Admiral Arthur S. Carpender, and it consisted of the cruisers USS Minneapolis and USS New Orleans, and four destroyers. During
The Dutch and USA’s 7th Fleet Read More »
During World War II, Archerfield Airport in Brisbane, Australia played a crucial role as a major air base for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Serving as a strategic hub, it facilitated operations, logistics, and support for American air units in the Pacific theater. The USAAF’s Arrival Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in
United States Army Air Forces at Archerfield Airport during World War II Read More »
Lieutenant Admiral Conrad Emil Lambert Helfrich was a Dutch naval officer who played a significant role in the defense of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) during World War II. He was born in Soerabaja, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1886, and he joined the Royal Netherlands Navy in 1903. He rose through the ranks,
Conrad Helfrich Commander in chief of Dutch Forces in the East Read More »
Columbia, often referred to as Lady Columbia, is a powerful symbol and female national personification of the United States. Representing the ideals and aspirations of the nation, Columbia has played a significant role in American iconography and cultural imagery throughout history. The origins of Columbia can be traced back to the late 18th century, during
In 2023 Board member Bart Lommerse contacted Josep (Joe) Kalemba. Joe is an expert metal detector hobbyist and when they started talking, he showed Bart his finding of a sword he had unearthed at Camp Columbia. He had already figured out that it was Dutch however, he had no idea why Dutch artefacts were showing
Ceremonial sword discovered at Camp Columbia Read More »
Following the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during World War II, many Dutch men, women, and children were interned in prisoner-of-war camps, known as internment camps or concentration camps. These camps were often harsh, with overcrowded conditions, limited food, and inadequate medical care. After the war ended and the
Camp Columbia hosted refugees from the Japanese camps. Read More »
We now have seven koalas on site at Pooh Corner Bushland Reserve, six of which are rescued individuals which have been released here. This is the first photo of the first offspring – Lady Jane’s joey (a son), now out of the pouch!! Mother and baby looking fine. Looks promising that her first offspring has
Camp Columbia has new residents Read More »
During World War II, Archerfield Airport, located in Brisbane, Australia, served as an important airfield for the Australian, American and Dutch forces. The presence of British air units at was limited, and they were not stationed there for the full duration of the war. The majority of British air units deployed to Archerfield were present
Archerfield Airport – situated next to the extended Camp Columbia area Read More »
The 577th Ordnance Ammunition Company arrived in Brisbane on 13 June 1943 where they set up the Darra Ordnance Ammunition Depot (or Dump as they called it) in Brisbane. They were responsible for the storage, maintenance, and distribution of ammunition and explosives in support of military operations. They played a vital role in ensuring the
Darra Ammunition Dump (Inala) Maps and Photos Read More »
We would like to include other sites to this list, so please send us more information on remnants of the war that are still visible in Brisbane. MacArthur Museum Brisbane Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries Museum of Brisbane – Walking in wartime (walking tours) Archerfield Airport Eagle Farm Airport Former US Army Flagpole – Victoria
Brisbane at war – other places to visit. Read More »
In August 1947, Australian military observers were stationed in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) under the auspices of the United Nations Good Offices Committee (UNGOC). Their purpose was to monitor the ceasefire between the Dutch and Indonesian forces during the Indonesian National Revolution. The number of Australian observers increased after the Second Dutch military operation
Australians in Netherlands East Indies first ever UN Peacekeepers Read More »
The following information includes segments from the publication “Pauleen a young woman’s wartime experience at an Officer Candidate School” The author is Noel W Wallis and it was published by the Richlands, Inala and Suburbs Group Inc. A copy of the publication was donated by the History Group to the Camp Columbia Heritage Association. During World
American Officer Candidate School in Brisbane Read More »
Dr. Stephen Simpson, born on July 29, 1793, in Wolston, Warwickshire, England, played a significant role in the early development of Queensland, Australia. He was appointed as the Commissioner for Crown Lands for the Moreton Bay District. In addition to his was a Doctor of Medicine, a Justice of the Peace, and a Police Magistrate.
Stephen Simpson established the first military facility in the Wacol area. Read More »
During World War II, the Darra Ordnance Depot—situated along Archerfield Road—played a crucial role in the South West Pacific war theatre. Constructed in early 1942, the site quickly became the largest munitions depot in the region, supporting the vast logistical needs of Allied forces. Military operations and infrastructure The Depot was operated primarily by the
Darra Ordnance Depot and freak explosion Read More »
In the immediate post-War World years, refugees from war-torn Europe were resettled in different places across Australia. By 1949, it is estimated that one-tenth of the American/Dutch/Australian Army’s Camp Columbia area became the Wacol East Displaced Persons Holding Camp. In the early 1950s the camp was developed to become the Wacol Migrant Centre, the biggest
After the war Camp Columbia was opened for refugees and migrants Read More »
