Author name: CCHA

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, […]

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

  Our Board member Bart Lommerse recently 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

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

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

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

Japanese militarism First, we examines Japanese militarism in the context of Japan’s recent history, focusing on its social and economic developments and the role of traditional thinking. After World War I, two distinct lines of development emerged: economic progress toward big capitalism and a national shift toward fascism as authoritarian ultranationalism, rejecting communism and basic

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

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

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

The war in the Pacific during World War II began with Japan’s military expansion and aggressive actions in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Here’s a brief overview of the events leading to the war: Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the war in the Pacific intensified, with Japan expanding its control over Southeast Asia,

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.

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

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

This is possible the last remaining hut of the military barracks at Camp Columbia Wacol Station Road At the time Ed make the picture above, the site was visited by the local kangaroos. One of them is also visible on that picture. Any further information is very welcome. See also: Buildings and facilities during the

The Camp Columbia Heritage Association would like to thank Centenary and District Environment Action Inc (CDEA) for including us in their new display at the Pooh Corner Bushland Reserve. CDEA has undertaken a refresh of the Pooh Corner information display with funding assistance from Brisbane City Council. The timeline poster, shown here, will inform visitors

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 was acquired by the Department of Immigration and became the Wacol East Dependant Holding Camp for Displaced Persons. This was situated on the north

These three maps show the Camp Columbia (CC) area as it currently is used. The maps are overlayed on the original WWII map that shows the military buildings and infrastructure of the WWII Camp. There are still some areas that have not been overbuilt and it clearly show that these area will still hold remanent

A large area in and around Wacol – which was nearly all bush land at that time – was selected as its major staging camp for the US Army in the South West Pacific. Here weapons, ammunition and equipment in transit were assembled or processed. A range of military facilities were build in the area

Officer Candidate School During 1942/1943 the Americans established the Officer Candidate School (OCS), on the other side of the railway in Wacol, in the area known as Camp area 3.  They  provided training for nine different army branches and was of the most comprehensive schools of its kind in the world. They provide training for: