Chemical Warfare Service Training Centre (US Army 42nd Chemical Laboratory)

10th Chemical Maintenance Company Billet, US Army 42nd Chemical Laboratory Company Mess Hall

In response to orders, the Base 3 Section Chemical Warfare Service (CWS) officers in Brisbane initiated basic CWS training courses for US Army personnel. Initially, with the aid of the 42nd Chemical Laboratory Company, several courses on chemical warfare defence were conducted at the University of Queensland. This commenced a process that continued well into the war.

Place information

Location

90 Bonney Avenue

Clayfield, QLD 4011

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Place type

Scientific facility, Military accommodation

History

In 1942 the Pacific was designated a major theatre for prosecuting the war against the Axis Powers by the Allies, and the area was subsequently divided into strategic areas. Australia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Philippine Islands and Dutch East Indies would fall under the SouthWest Pacific Area (SWPA). Given the rapid advance of Japanese forces and concerns regarding the use of chemical weapons, it was deemed necessary by forces of the US Army to establish a Chemical Warfare Section school for the entire area. This task fell within the duties of Colonel William Copthorne, who had arrived in Brisbane 2...

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