Australia

New Zealand and Brisbane during the Second World War: a limited intelligence connection

When Brisbane became the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur’s South West Pacific Area (SWPA) in 1942, it developed into one of the key Allied centres in the Pacific War. The United States, Australia and the Netherlands East Indies formed the principal military and administrative presence in the city. New Zealand, operating mainly under the separate […]

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The Americans in Brisbane

Between 1942 and 1944, Brisbane hosted one of the most significant concentrations of U.S. military personnel in the Pacific Theatre. Central to this presence was Camp Columbia at Wacol—home to 5,000 troops and headquarters for the U.S. Sixth Army under Lt. Gen. Walter Krueger. From here, key campaigns across New Guinea and the Philippines were

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Brisbane at war

When Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 expanded the war into the Pacific, Brisbane was thrust into the frontline of Allied operations. By 1942, after the bombing of Darwin and growing fears of Japanese invasion, Brisbane became a critical military hub in the South West Pacific. The city transformed rapidly—civilians were evacuated from

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Overlooked outpost: Brisbane and Camp Columbia in American WWII literature

Even in Brisbane, the global importance of the city’s role during World War II is largely unknown. Yes, most people are aware that large numbers of American troops were stationed here, and many will recall the so-called “Battle of Brisbane”—but for most, that’s the extent of their knowledge of Brisbane’s wartime significance. As I delved

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The Battle of Brisbane: Two sides of the same riot

The Battle of Brisbane, a violent two-night clash between Australian and American servicemen in November 1942, remains one of the most extraordinary and yet under-discussed episodes of Allied wartime friction. In Australia—particularly in Brisbane—it has entered popular memory as a moment of explosive resentment toward the dominant American presence. In the United States, however, it

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WWII Brisbane Bus Tour — tracing the city of the Allied Capital

As part of our symposium Allied Co-operation in Brisbane during WWII: Australia, USA, Netherlands, UK, we took the story out of the lecture theatre and into the city. This post-symposium bus tour connected the conference themes to the places where history happened, linking archives, artefacts, and personal testimonies to Brisbane’s wartime landscape. Guided by archaeologist

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From Symposium to Strategy: Securing Brisbane’s Place as WWII Allied Capital

Turning commemoration into opportunity: defence ties in 2027, global heritage in 2032 The Allied Co-operation in Brisbane during WWII: Australia, USA, Netherlands, UK symposium, held at the University of Queensland on 30–31 August 2025, brought together a full house of delegates, historians, community representatives, and descendants to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of

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Rare ceremonial sword from the Netherlands East Indies to be displayed for the first time

At the upcoming “Allied Co-operation in Brisbane during WWII” International Symposium, to be held on 30–31 August 2025 at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, visitors will have a unique opportunity to view a remarkable historical artefact: a 19th-century ceremonial sword from the Netherlands East Indies. This will be the first time the sword

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Brisbane’s overlooked wartime legacy: the forgotten Allied capital of Australia

Symposium: Allied co-operation in Brisbane during WWII – Book Here In Australia, the global significance of Brisbane’s role during World War II is still not widely understood. Most Australians know that American forces were based here, and some may recall the so-called “Battle of Brisbane.” But few realise that Brisbane served as the most important

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Camp Columbia – a wartime crossroads on Brisbane’s doorstep

We are pleased to share a feature article , now available on the website of our researcher Ingeborg van Teeseling: Australia Explained. This comprehensive piece brings together historical insights and personal recollections to highlight the unique international role of Camp Columbia during and after World War II. From American and Dutch military operations to the

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KNIL soldier Anne Beetstra: A Dutch-Canadian woman at Camp Columbia, 1944–46

This compelling first-person account, written by her daughter Claire Smith-Burns, traces the remarkable wartime journey of Anna Wiebrigje Beetstra, a Dutch-Canadian woman who served in the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) during the final years of World War II. Born in Friesland in 1923 and raised in British Columbia, Anne was inspired to join

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Vale Dr Jonathan (Jack) Ford

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Jonathan (Jack) Ford on 29 June 2025, at his home in Brisbane. Jack had recently returned from hospital following heart treatment and, when we last spoke two days before his untimely death, he told me that the new medication had given him a

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WWII Symposium Allied co-operation in Brisbane moved to UQ St Lucia

The University of Queensland is a supporter of the Camp Columbia Heritage Association. They have conducted archeologic research at the site of the former camp. The St Lucia Campus was during WII the HQ of the South-West Pacific Area (SWPA) Advanced Land Headquarters led by Australian General Thomas Blamey, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces

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