History

Brisbane City Streets of Remembrance – Community Input Invited

The Camp Columbia Heritage Association (CCHA) supports the Brisbane City Council’s initiative to extend its Streets of Remembrance project. As part of this program, selected new signage of existing streets across the city will have Australian Defence Force, or Australian Navy, or Australian Air Force logos added on to the Street sign to honour significant Veterans, places, […]

Brisbane City Streets of Remembrance – Community Input Invited Read More »

The Orliks of Boy Swallows Universe and the real migrant story of Camp Columbia

In Trent Dalton’s critically acclaimed novel Boy Swallows Universe, the reader briefly meets the Orlik family—refugees from war-torn Europe who found shelter at Camp Columbia. Though fictional, their story resonates deeply with the real experiences of thousands of families who passed through this significant site in Brisbane’s history. A place of transition and new beginnings

The Orliks of Boy Swallows Universe and the real migrant story of Camp Columbia Read More »

Admiral Kinkaid and General MacArthur – a fragile wartime alliance

Admiral Thomas Cassin Kinkaid played a critical yet often underappreciated role in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War. As commander of the United States Navy’s Seventh Fleet, Kinkaid found himself in a highly unusual position: a senior naval officer operating under the authority of an army general—General Douglas MacArthur—in the Southwest Pacific Area

Admiral Kinkaid and General MacArthur – a fragile wartime alliance Read More »

Netherlands Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Association Queensland Branch

The Netherlands Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Association Queensland Branch Inc. (NESWA-Qld) was established in 1973 and incorporated in 1991. This organisation served as a community hub for Dutch ex-servicemen and women residing in Queensland, offering camaraderie, support, and a platform to honour their shared heritage and service. During WWII Camp Columbia became the seat of the

Netherlands Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Association Queensland Branch Read More »

Mission X: Australia’s Forgotten Fleet in the Pacific War – Exhibition at Bongaree

In the darkest days of World War II, as Japanese forces swept through the Pacific, an unconventional group of Australians found themselves at the heart of a daring and vital operation. Known as Mission X, this little-known fleet of small, civilian vessels was assembled under the US Army Small Ships Section, playing a crucial role

Mission X: Australia’s Forgotten Fleet in the Pacific War – Exhibition at Bongaree Read More »

Wolston House – Wacol

This important part of local and Queensland history is now owned by the National Trust. On the river at Wacol, hay- way between Ipswich and Brisbane, it was established in 1852 by Dr Stephen Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands in the Moreton Bay colony. During WW 11, part of the property was taken to build

Wolston House – Wacol Read More »

WWII Sites in Brisbane

This list is produced by Peter Rasey for the Australian American Ass. Qld. Division with the input and assistance of the late Sir Frank Moore AO, Don Cameron AM, and Rick Jefferies OAM. CCHA has been given permission to publish this on their website and invite people to provide correction, updates or additions. Peter Rasey

WWII Sites in Brisbane Read More »

The Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (NICA) WWII – Established at Camp Columbia

During World War II, as the Japanese occupation swept through the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia), the Netherlands government-in-exile faced a daunting challenge: how to maintain control and provide administrative continuity in the occupied territory. Out of this necessity, the Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (NICA) was born. Established in 1944 and operating initially from Australia,

The Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (NICA) WWII – Established at Camp Columbia Read More »

The Pensacola Convoy – very first American soldiers arrive in Brisbane

The Pensacola Convoy, officially designated Task Force South Pacific, was a significant U.S. military operation during the early days of World War II. Originally en route to reinforce U.S. bases in the Philippines, the convoy was redirected to Australia following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. The convoy departed Pearl Harbor

The Pensacola Convoy – very first American soldiers arrive in Brisbane Read More »

Racism in the Army

Segregation as brought to Brisbane with the US troops. The US Army formed coloured troops into coloured units (which were not armed-always transport and labour units), housed them in separate camps (e.g. Camp Freeman in. Richlands) and prevented them from entering the Brisbane ‘CBD (West End across the river was designated their Reg.R area). NB-The

Racism in the Army Read More »

Sinking of the Centaur

The Centaur, 2/3rd Australian Hospital Ship, was a motor passenger ship converted in early 1943 for use as a hospital ship. In November 1941 it had rescued survivors of the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran after it had sunk and been sunk by HMAS Sydney. On 12, May 1943 the Centaur sailed unescorted from Sydney at

Sinking of the Centaur Read More »

Solemn ceremony to farewell fallen American soldiers

On December 22, 1947, Brisbane honored fallen American servicemen with a solemn ceremony. A coffin representing an unknown American soldier was paraded on a gun carriage through King George Square, halting in front of City Hall. Dignitaries, including officers from the Australian Commonwealth Government, Brisbane City Council, various patriotic organisations, and the American Consul, laid

Solemn ceremony to farewell fallen American soldiers Read More »

Radio Communication in Brisbane During World War II

Brisbane played a pivotal role as a strategic hub for Allied communication networks during World War II, hosting critical radio transmitting and receiving stations that facilitated the exchange of intelligence, operational orders, and coordination across the Pacific theatre. Managed by the United States Army Signal Corps, these facilities were complemented by independent networks operated by

Radio Communication in Brisbane During World War II Read More »

The Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile in Brisbane: A Unique Legal Status Following Japan’s 1942 Invasion

The Japanese invasion of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) in early 1942 led to the rapid collapse of Dutch military resistance. However, a strategic legal manoeuvre by the Dutch colonial government ensured that its sovereignty was never officially ceded to Japan. This distinction would have profound implications for the Netherlands’ post-war claims in Indonesia and

The Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile in Brisbane: A Unique Legal Status Following Japan’s 1942 Invasion Read More »

Richard Casey instrumental in selecting Brisbane as a key WWII base.

Richard Casey, born in Brisbane in 1890, was a prominent Australian statesman and diplomat. During the early years of World War II, he served as Australia’s first Ambassador to the United States from 1940 to 1942. During his tenure, Casey played a pivotal role in strengthening the Australia–United States alliance. His efforts were instrumental in

Richard Casey instrumental in selecting Brisbane as a key WWII base. Read More »

Scroll to Top