Chemical Warfare Centre Gas mask repair facility

Crosby Park

The role of the US Chemical Warfare Service (CWS) in the South West Pacific Area was complicated by the fact that its task to develop, repair and issue protective and offensive items was shared with the US Army Quartermaster service. Thus for example, while the CWS was responsible for the storage of chemical grenades from September 1943, the storage of chemical and incendiary bombs was the province of Ordnance. The CWS however was responsible for the inspection and servicing of those munitions. Other elements of the Service were responsible for the provision of chemical warfare training to rear-echlon troops and for those advancing through Base 3 (Brisbane) to active theatres of war.

Place information

Location

Crosby Park, Royal and Crosby Roads

Albion, QLD 4010

Open in Google maps

Place type

Workshop

History

Crosby Park, in the centre of a populous Brisbane suburb, was one of a number of local parks leased by the US Army. Despite its proximity to a large population base this park was designated as a Chemical Warfare Centre, and stored quantities of poisonous chemicals and gases during its time of occupation. Construction of the Centre commenced in early 1943, and by October its operation was in the hands of 62nd Chemical Depot Company, aided by elements of the 105th Chemical Processing Company and the 10th Chemical Maintenance Company. Included on the site was a gas mask repair shop...

Suggest an edit

Copy Link