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 has been publicly displayed since its discovery at Camp Columbia (Wacol) in 2022.
Discovery and identification
The sword was found by metal-detector enthusiast Josep (Joe) Kalemba and shared with Camp Columbia Heritage Association (CCHA) board member Bart Lommerse in 2023. It was later examined by WWII experts in the Netherlands, who concluded it most likely belonged to a high-ranking official – such as a minister, mayor, or governor – from the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) or possibly the Dutch West Indies.
Its presence at Camp Columbia is a tangible link to the site’s role as an important Allied base during WWII and its strong connections with the Netherlands East Indies government-in-exile, which operated from Brisbane after the Japanese occupation of the NEI in 1942.
Part of a broader WWII exhibition
The sword will be a highlight of the exhibition running alongside the symposium, which will also feature a substantial portion of the World War II collection of the late Dr Jack Ford. Dr Ford, author of Allies in Bind, conducted extensive research into the history of Allied cooperation in Brisbane during WWII. His artefacts, research materials, and personal documentation will be on display, offering valuable insight into the wartime history of the region.
The exhibition will also include four interpretive panels:
- Brisbane’s crucial wartime role
- Australian Forces operating from Brisbane
- The American presence and activities in Brisbane
- Dutch contributions and experiences in Brisbane
In addition, a photographic display will provide visual narratives of Camp Columbia’s wartime operations and strategic significance.
Focus on Camp Columbia’s wartime role
Both the symposium and the exhibition place Camp Columbia at the centre of the story. During WWII, the site served as a major staging ground and headquarters for the U.S. Sixth Army, before becoming the administrative base for the Netherlands East Indies government-in-exile. Its history reflects the close collaboration between Allied forces in the Pacific theatre, and the event aims to highlight Brisbane’s often-overlooked role in this chapter of the war.
