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 on 29 November 1941, comprising several vessels, including the heavy cruiser USS Pensacola, which served as the escort ship. After learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the convoy was ordered to divert to Brisbane, Australia. It arrived at Brisbane’s outer harbor, Moreton Bay, on 22 December 1941, escorted by Australian and New Zealand warships. Source: Army History Museum
Upon arrival, the convoy disembarked approximately 4,600 personnel, marking the first presence of U.S. troops on Australian soil during the war. The soldiers were accommodated at Ascot Racecourse (later known as Eagle Farm) in tents while awaiting further instructions.
The arrival of the Pensacola Convoy was met with enthusiasm by the Australian public, as it signified the beginning of a strong military alliance between the United States and Australia during a time when Japanese forces were perceived as a direct threat to the region.
In recognition of this historic event, Pensacola Convoy Place was established to commemorate the vessels and personnel of the convoy. A plaque at the site honours their arrival in the Brisbane River on 22 December 1941 and acknowledges the convoy’s role in diverting to Australia following the attacks in the Asia-Pacific region. See also: Monument Australia
The Pensacola Convoy’s timely arrival in Brisbane, just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, played a crucial role in establishing Australia as a strategic base for Allied operations in the Pacific theatre during World War II.
See also: Richard Casey instrumental in selecting Brisbane as a key WWII base.