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 »
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 »
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 »
Sailors Boesidien and Samanuddin were members of the Netherlands Merchant Navy during World War II and are interred at Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. Their service highlights the significant role of Dutch merchant vessels in the Allied efforts in the Pacific. Boesidiwn (1909–1942): Born in Bengkalan, Java, Boesidien served aboard the MV Maetsuycker, a vessel of
Dutch Sailors interred at Toowong Cemetery Read More »
During World War II, Brisbane emerged as a pivotal hub for Allied submarine operations in the Pacific theater. The city’s strategic location facilitated the establishment of bases by the United States Navy, the Royal Netherlands Navy, and later the British Royal Navy. United States Navy Submarine Operations In April 1942, the U.S. Navy established a
Brisbane critical role in submarine warfare Read More »
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 »
Brisbane’s significance as a naval port was exemplified by its shipbuilding capacity and the deployment of vessels that shaped the war’s outcome. Evans Deakin & Co Ltd, located in the city, was a prominent shipyard that built numerous vessels for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), including the Bathurst-class corvettes. These versatile ships, designed for minesweeping,
Brisbane’s role in Allied naval efforts. Read More »
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
This year(2025) marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a milestone that resonates deeply in Australia as we reflect on the conclusion of the war in the Pacific. Brisbane, in particular, played a pivotal role as a strategic hub for Allied operations, cementing its place in history. Brisbane’s rise as a
80th anniversary of the end of WWII in the Pacific – Brisbane’s importance in WWII Read More »
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 »
Brisbane in World War Twoby Dr Jonathan (Jack) Ford Introduction2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, both in Europe and the Far East. From July 1942 to May 1944, Brisbane was the most important city in Australia during the war. It served as the headquarters for US General Douglas MacArthur’s
Brisbane Timeline to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in the Pacific Read More »
Military Air Transport in Australia started soon before the fall of the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). In the few months before this happened evacuations started to happen, mainly of Dutch civilian personnel including families of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Airline (KNILM). These civil aircrafts became the earliest core of military air transport in Australia.
Nederlands Military Air Transport Services at Archerfield – WWII Read More »
Morning Reports in the U.S. Army were daily administrative documents used to track and report personnel and unit activities. These reports, maintained operational planning, and record-keeping. They are now considered valuable historical resources for research, including genealogy and military history. Key Features of Morning Reports: Accessing Historical Morning Reports Morning reports from the U.S. Army
US Army Morning Reports Camp Columbia Read More »
With several military hospitals in and around Camp Columbia looking after people wounded in the Pacific War Theatre, obviously a large number died. These soldiers were buried at the USAF Military Cemetery in Ipswich. In all 1206 of them were buried here. In 1947 the bodies were exhumed and brought to the USA. Most burials
USAF Military Cemetery – Ipswich -Wreath laying for Dutch Javanese Soldiers Read More »
The US Sixth Army was a field army of the United States Army that was established on January 20, 1943, during World War II. The Sixth Army was responsible for conducting military operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations, including the campaigns in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Okinawa. In July 1942, General Douglas MacArthur,
US Sixth Army established in Brisbane Read More »
With his head office in the CBD of Brisbane and his headquarters in Camp Columbia, Wacol General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Allied Commander of the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) and his military staff, orchestrated several pivotal WWII battles from here. Allied forces from Australia and the Netherlands also participated in these operations. Here’s a breakdown of
Major WWII battles planned and executed from Brisbane Read More »
An estimated 300 US soldiers returned to their sweethearts in Australia. 10-12,000 Australian girls married Americans and emigrated to the US – 7000 of them from Queensland. In the USA, the number of war brides was enormous: “During World War II, an estimated one million American soldiers married women from over fifty different countries. In
By November 1943, the Americans had the following Chemical Weapon (CW) inventory at the Darra Ordnance Ammunition Depot:- . By May 1944, Darra was also storing Chemical Weapons for the US Air Force and a small amount for the US Navy.. See: OzatWar World War II Stories from Brisbane’s South West
Chemical Weapons at Darra Ordnance Depot Read More »
Dated : Kamp Columbia 3-8-45 This digitised copy of the original booklet provides a satirical overview of the people at Camp Columbia. The author most likely uses a fictional name: Prof. Dr. K.F. Pescator. Through descriptions of flora, he portrays the various military and civilian ranks and positions of the personnel. Perhaps it was presented
Satirical publication Camp Columbia (Dutch) Read More »
Patricia (Pat) Metcalfe (born 1929 in Cairns) moved to Brisbane when she was 4 years old and after she finished the St Columba school at Wilson, was employed at Camp Columbia as a typist and secretary, first with the Americans and since 1945 with the Netherlands-East-Indies Government. Here she worked for the Department of Works
Patricia Metcalfe and Wim van Wely met at Camp Columbia Read More »
