Acclaimed Time-Life magazine War Correspondent and Investigative Journalist Robert Sherrod based himself here during April-May 1942. Sherrod wrote several articles at the Queens Hotel on the war situation and US presence in Townsville. These included the mention of an armed 'mutiny' by the US 96th Engineers at Upper Ross River whilst they were constructing an airfield during May. This unit consisted of over 1000 African American serviceman.

Sherrod recalled that he stayed up all night typing this report at the Queens Hotel to hand to Senator (later President) Lyndon B Johnson who was due to leave Townsville the following morning. Senator...