Information

Fearing Japanese air attack, after the Darwin Raid (19 February), the 6th AA Group’s anti-aircraft (AA) guns were positioned strategically across Brisbane. The Group’s 378th Heavy AA Battery controlled numerous 4-gun postions that were designed to protect military facilities along the river. Four 3.7 inch static Heavy AA guns, with a magazine and control-room were emplaced above Balmoral Cemetery, because of the elevation and river proximity. The Bowls Club (1919), Scouts and Girl Guide Huts were utilised. Each gun had a crew of 10-12 from the militia and the Volunteer Defence Corps VDC. As men left for the front, the crews came from the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) by mid-1943. Crews were reduced to care and maintenacein 1944 and the site was disarmed and abandoned in 1945.

Citations

Discover Queensland at war, Queensland World War II Historic Places website

Image Citations

Map References

QSA. QSA Series ID 2058 Moreton District Maps – A Series. 6 miles to the inch. Moreton District. 6 miles to the inch. Survey Office, Brisbane. 634905