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 wreaths in tribute. Approximately 30,000 Brisbane residents lined the streets to pay their respects.
The cortege then proceeded to Newstead Wharf, where the ship USAT Goucher Victory awaited. At the wharf, the ceremony concluded with the sounding of “Taps” and the firing of three volleys. The caskets, including those exhumed from cemeteries in Ipswich and Rookwood, were loaded onto the vessel. The USAT Goucher Victory departed Brisbane before Christmas 1947, transporting the remains to Guadalcanal. There, they were transferred to the USAT Cardinal O’Connell, which carried them to Hawaii for their final journey home.
This event marked a significant moment of post-war collaboration between Australia and the United States, reflecting the deep respect and shared history between the two nations. The ceremony not only honored the fallen but also underscored the strong bonds forged during World War II.
Today, Manson Park in Ipswich stands as a memorial to these events. Named after Mrs. Rose Manson, a local resident who cared for the graves during the war and corresponded with the families of the deceased, the park features a monument commemorating the American servicemen who paid the supreme sacrifice during World War II. See also: Monument Australia
For those interested in visiting, Manson Park is located at Cemetery Road, Raceview, Ipswich, Queensland. The park serves as a place of reflection and remembrance, honoring the enduring friendship between Australia and the United States.
The date of 22 December is the same date when 6 years earlier the first American arrived in Brisbane with the Pensacola Convoy. However, there is no evidence that this date for the repatriation was deliberately chosen.
ABC Australia all Over; 28th of January 2024 USAT Goucher Victory Memorial Signage
See also:
Remembering the SS Goucher Victory
Photos and article in: New Farm & Districts Historical Society Inc newsletter April 2024 – page 5