Didn’t they stand tall? The towers of the Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 once pierced the sky near Toorbul. This site played a crucial role in Australia’s World War II air defense network. Today we explore the history of this fascinating place.
The Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 was formed at Sandgate on September 20 1943. Soon after, it moved to Toorbul on October 27 1943. This radar station was part of a chain of Advanced Chain Overseas ACO radar stations. These were established across mainland Australia.
These stations used British imported radar technology. Brisbane’s industrial region was a major port. US submarines used it frequently. Troops also trained here before campaigns against Japan. Thus, the location of the Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 was strategically important.
The Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 comprised several key structures. There were two radar control huts called igloos. One was for receiving and one for transmitting radar signals. There were also two electricity-generating huts. Each radar station had its own generator hut. Most strikingly, two 42-meter high wooden towers stood on the site. One tower was for transmitting and one for receiving.
The towers of the Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 were impressive. They were built to withstand hurricanes. Prefabricated timbers were shipped to the site. Construction took about twelve weeks with a crew of twelve to thirteen men.
Lionel Gilbert a radar operator recalled the station’s early days. Establishing the camp involved significant effort. Roads had to be built in swampy conditions. He remembered digging deep gutters to create a road to the towers. The work was frantic.
Before becoming fully operational the crew cleared the camp area. They removed combustible forest litter. This reduced the risk of fire to the wooden buildings. However the towers and igloos remained unprotected by tree cover.
The Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 used a floodlighting wave system. It detected approaching enemy aircraft over a wide area. The operators communicated plotted data. They relayed it to the Fighter Sector in Brisbane via landline.
A typical operating crew consisted of several members. One watched the cathode ray oscilloscope. Another recorded the aircraft’s bearing and distance. A third relayed information to Fighter Sector HQ. A fourth marked the aircraft’s route on a map.
The Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 had a diverse staff. There were commanding officers medical personnel and radar mechanics. Cooks guards and general hands also worked at the station. WAAAF women were intended to be stationed here. However, suitable accommodation was never available. The WAAAF personnel visited the station for a social gathering. They joined in a dance to boost morale.
The Parry-Okeden family owned the property. They welcomed the servicemen warmly. They invited them for afternoon tea and dinner. Dances were held on the verandah. Their daughter Elizabeth was a hit with the men.
The Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 reduced operations on January 21 1945. Operations ceased entirely on August 31 1945. The unit was officially disbanded on February 21 1946. After the war the towers were demolished. They were sold for scrap metal and timber.
Today the Former RAAF Radar Station No. 210 is privately owned. The remains of the radar installation serve as a reminder. They remind us of Queensland’s vital role. They highlight its part in the WWII air warning radar network. Though time has passed the significance of this site remains. It is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of those who served here.