During most of World War II, the port of Brisbane was dominated by the United States Navy. The British Royal Navy (RN) only established a significant operational presence in Brisbane in 1945, as part of the British Pacific Fleet’s activities toward the end of the war. HMAS Moreton was commissioned behind today’s QUT on 1 […]
British Naval Presence in Brisbane During WWII Read More »
At its peak the US Navy had almost 6500 personnel stationed in Brisbane during 1944. Of these 685 were commissioned officers. Brisbane offered few entertainment venues for visiting or stationed officers, and a decision was made by the Commander Service Force, Seventh Fleet to construct an Officers Mess. Through the Australian Army Hiring Service, the
Camp Columbia Army Huts ended up at Merthyr Bowls Club, at New Farm Read More »
During the Second World War, Brisbane served as a major Allied base in the Southwest Pacific Area, hosting General Douglas MacArthur’s General Headquarters (GHQ) and becoming the centre of a vast network of land, air, and naval operations. For the United States Navy, Brisbane was not just a staging point—it was the command and logistical
US Navy activities in Brisbane during the Second World War Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 »
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 following is a set of unique pictures received from Peter Dunn, who took the photographs from the exhibits at NARA’s College Park library near Washington DC. They were taken in Brisbane after the US Army had taken over the hospital ship from the Dutch. The original text is published below the pictures. For more
The U.S. 7th Fleet holds a significant place in history, particularly during World War II. Established on March 15, 1943, in Brisbane, Australia, it was a crucial component of the Allied forces in the Pacific theater. Under the leadership of Admiral Arthur S. “Chips” Carpender, the fleet played a pivotal role in the South West
US Seventh Fleet established in Brisbane Read More »
At the outbreak of WWII the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was largely deployed in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. After the Japanese Navy’s attacks on the Allies in December 1941, the RAN redeployed its larger ships to home waters to protect the Australian mainland from Japanese attack, while several smaller ships remained in the
Royal Australian Navy in the Southwest Pacific WWII Read More »
In the aftermath of the devastating Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, Rear Admiral Chester W. Nimitz swiftly rose to prominence. Appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt just ten days later, Nimitz became the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT). The symbolic change of command took place on the submarine Grayling, an
WWII – Tension between Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur Read More »
Admiral William D. Leahy, often referred to as “Bill” Leahy, was a prominent figure in the United States Navy during World War II. He served as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) from 1937 to 1939 and later held the position of Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief of the United States Army
Admiral William D. Leahy – senior military advisor to US Presidents Read More »
Camp Seabee in Brisbane, Australia, also known as U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Detachment (NCBD) Brisbane, was an important facility during World War II. It was occupied by the U.S. Navy from March 23, 1943, to August 7, 1945, and served as a base for the Seabees, the United States Naval Construction Battalions. Here is some
Camp Seabee, Eagle Farm operated by the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Detachment Read More »
The United States 7th Fleet is responsible for operations in the Western Pacific Ocean. It was formed on March 15, 1943, in Brisbane, Australia, during World War II. The fleet was initially commanded by Vice Admiral Arthur S. Carpender, and it consisted of the cruisers USS Minneapolis and USS New Orleans, and four destroyers. During
The Dutch and USA’s 7th Fleet Read More »
