D-day turning point in conflict

FROM June 1770 when James Cook named Cape Cleveland, Cleveland Bay and Magnetic(al) Island, and Joseph Banks landed on one of the islands he called “Palm”, the month of June has been significant in the city’s history.

In more recent times, June 6, 1944 – D-day – was particularly significant when allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, and started to push back the Nazi German forces in Europe.

It was just over two years after the Battle of the Coral Sea, and two years after the Battle of Midway that ended the fear of Japanese invasion of North Queensland in 1942.

Though relieved, North Queenslanders remained concerned. War still waged to the north in New Guinea and in other war zones, particularly in Europe where Adolf Hitler continued his dictatorship in Germany.

The landing at Normandy in 1944 was a beacon of hope, even in far off North Queensland, that the Allies might achieve victory.

One could still see military encampments in many parts of Townsville and its surroundings, and hear the noise of aircraft taking off and landing from the airfields that surrounded the city.

Concrete air raid shelters still lined the city streets. One, on Melton Hill, remains today.

Schools reopened but with slit trenches in the grounds, and air raid practice was an almost daily event, with the whine of the air raid warning sirens, though there was virtually no chance of another Japanese air attack.

Some who had left the city in 1940 and 1941 began to return, but for others, whose houses were taken over for military use, there was little accommodation.

Rationing continued, with coupons issued for food, clothing and petrol. Visits to Magnetic Island were restricted, and the beach along The Strand was protected with barbed wire entanglements.

I recall my uncle being allowed to drive along The Strand and, on one occasion when I was a passenger, I saw landing craft on the beach near the present site of the Rock Pool.

It was exciting to see flying boats and warships anchored in Cleveland Bay.

Though it became clear that the Allies would prevail, fighting continued, and it was not apparent when the end would come. At last, on May 8, 1945 victory in Europe was declared, but war in the Pacific did not end until August 25 after two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Though North Queenslanders could breathe sighs of relief, it was only with the knowledge that a new and horrifying weapon had been unleashed.

Though indistinct, this photo taken about 1942 shows landing barges at Kissing Point, now the site of the Rock Pool, with naval vessels moored in Cleveland Bay visible in the rear. (H.J. Taylor, The History of Townsville Harbour 1864-1979.)

Townsville crowds celebrating victory in the Pacific on August 25, 1945 – note the concrete air raid shelter in Flinders St.