During most of World War II, the port of Brisbane was dominated by the United States Navy, with only a minor administrative presence by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The British Royal Navy (RN) only established a significant operational presence in Brisbane in 1945, as part of the British Pacific Fleet’s activities toward the end of the war.
While the RAN maintained a Naval Officer In Charge (NOIC) office in the Naval Offices building in Edward Street throughout the war, there was no dedicated RAN or RN base in Brisbane until late 1944–1945. British warships, like their American counterparts, generally used Brisbane’s private commercial wharves for berthing and resupply.
HMS Furneaux and New Farm operations
In 1945, the Royal Navy took over the former US Navy submarine base facilities at New Farm, establishing HMS Furneaux as the main Royal Navy shore establishment in Brisbane. This facility became the key RN base for coordination and supply in the area.
The Navy Victualling Store at New Farm, previously thought to have been used by the Royal Navy, was in fact operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to supply provisions for the Allied navies, including the British Pacific Fleet.
Other Royal Navy activities in Brisbane
Besides HMS Furneaux at New Farm, the Royal Navy operated several specialised units and facilities across Brisbane:
- 7 MONAB (Mobile Naval Air Base 7) was established in Brisbane to manage mobile air operations in the Pacific. Learn more here
- 1 TAMY (1st Transportable Aircraft Maintenance Yard) also operated in Brisbane to maintain and service aircraft. Learn more here
- Floating dry docks at Morningside: Plans were made to construct up to eight floating dry docks in Morningside for ship repair, although not all were completed. More details here
- Rocklea Hostel: A hostel at Rocklea was used to accommodate Royal Navy personnel, particularly those working at Archerfield airfield. More info here
- Rocklea Munitions Factory: Parts of the munitions factory at Rocklea were repurposed by the Royal Navy for aircraft engine reconditioning. More here
Conclusion
The British Royal Navy’s operational presence in Brisbane was relatively short-lived but significant in the context of the final campaigns of World War II. From bases such as HMS Furneaux, British forces supported the British Pacific Fleet and contributed to the Allied push towards Japan.
Unlike the Americans, who had a large-scale, long-term presence in Brisbane, the British arrived at the tail end of the war and utilised existing infrastructure to support their efforts. Brisbane’s role as a naval logistics hub in 1945 highlights the city’s continuing strategic importance in the Pacific theatre, even as the war drew to a close.