Imagine soldiers laughing right here. It is 1943 and Yeronga Park is Camp Yeronga. Today we explore the story of the United States Army Units in Yeronga Park War Memorial.
Yeronga Memorial Park has evolved since 1882. It reflects the story of Yeronga and Queensland’s history. This park became a World War I memorial in 1917.
Now look around at this peaceful park. During World War II this was a different scene. American military units occupied Yeronga Park. Aerial photos from 1946 reveal huts that were erected to house troops. This area became known as Camp Yeronga.
Several U.S. Army units were stationed here. These included the 832nd Signal Battalion and the 799th Military Police Battalion. The U.S. Army Services of Supply also called this park home. The U.S. Army Base Section No. 3 was here along with the U.S. Women’s Army Corps. Headquarters 3rd Camp Company was present plus Ship and Gun Crew Command No. 1. Finally the Medical Dispensary Base Section was set up here.
In July 1944 Dutch servicewomen joined the WACs for training at Camp Yeronga. The U.S. Army stayed here until the end of World War II. It took two years to restore the park for the public after the war.
Little evidence remains of this military occupation. Part of the Girl Guides hall might date back to that time. West of the memorial pavilion stands a stone. The American Legion erected this memorial stone. It commemorates the United States military forces’ occupation of the park.
Let’s take a closer look at the memorial. It is a large sandstone boulder set in a paved area. A plaque recognizes the use of Yeronga Park by the U.S. Army. A smaller plaque at the front notes that ARCO Coal Australia donated the foundation stone.
The main plaque displays an American Legion insignia. It lists the U.S. Army units stationed here during World War II. The inscription reads “They passed this way.” It is dedicated by the American Legion Douglas MacArthur Post AU03.
Yeronga Park served as a recreational venue. Various clubs leased sections of the park throughout its history. The Yeronga Tennis Club was formed in 1909. Other sports facilities included bowling greens and a croquet club.
The park also has memorials for World War I. Honour Avenue features trees planted in memory of soldiers. Memorial gates and a pavilion were built in 1921. This park preserves different layers of history. It includes sporting activities since the 1880s. There are also memorials for both World War I and World War II.
The United States Army Units in Yeronga Park War Memorial stands as a reminder. It marks a time when this park was transformed into Camp Yeronga.