RACE TRACKS
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WW2

After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, many American Military units headed for the Philippines were diverted to Australian ports. At the same time a large build up in the Australian military forces was commenced. Many large camp areas were required to house the military personnel flooding some of the major centres such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Townsville.

One of the most suitable areas to quickly establish large military camps was local race tracks. In Brisbane, Ascot Racecourse (now Eagle Farm Racecourse and the adjacent Doomben Racecourse were both closed and became Camp Ascot and Camp Doomben. Albion Park Race Track was the only race track in Brisbane that continued to operate as a race track throughout the war years.

John Wayne and Lt. Col. Bleckwenn at the Albion Park Races in December 1943

The Albion Park Racetrack during WW2. Note the two GMH Allison
Overhaul Assembly Plant Igloos located just above Breakfast Creek

REFERENCES

"They Passed This Way - The United States of America, The States of Australia and World War II"
by Barry Ralph

"The 81st A.D.G."

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 17 December 2002

This page last updated 16 January 2020