Lennon’s Hotel

'Bataan'

The new Lennon’s Hotel on the corner of Queen and George Streets Brisbane was opened in July 1941. A hotel of the same name had operated on the site since at least the 1880s. The most modern hotel in wartime Brisbane it offered the best service and visiting celebrities frequently stayed there. From July 1942 it became the residence of the Macarthur family and many of the senior officers working at the SWPA headquarters.

Place information

Location

cnr Queen and George Streets

Brisbane, QLD 4000

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Place type

Military accommodation

History

The 'Pensacola' convey of US troops diverted from the Philippines arrived in Brisbane just before Christmas 1941. The senior US officer, Brigadier General Barnes, established a temporary headquarters in Lennon’s Hotel, occupying it until January when it was moved to Melbourne. It is likely this early occupation influence the decision to make it the residence of General Douglas Macarthur, CINCSWPA, and his family when his headquarters moved to Brisbane in July 1942. An advance US Army party visited Brisbane from 14–16 June 1942 to prepare for MacArthur’s move there. The move north began on 15 July. MacArthur left Melbourne on...

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