Add new place

Unsure if a place should be included? The following criteria outline the requirements of a WWII historic place, as listed on the website, and should provide some guidance.

1. The place is associated with Queensland’s military and wartime history during WWII or the immediate post-war period, between 1939 – 1946.
2. The place was associated with Australian military forces, foreign militaries, or civilian contributions to the war effort. This includes military installations (e.g. airfields, anti-aircraft batteries), government sites (e.g. public air raid shelters, Women’s Land Army facilities) and private/charity sites (e.g. factories producing war material, Red Cross refreshment posts).
3. The place was the site of a significant event, structure or collection of associated features; though there does not need to be any remaining physical evidence. For example, the site of a bombing raid, a hospital or an interlinked network of ‘foxholes’ and machine gun positions. Where several features are within close proximity and association, they should be listed as one entry. For example, a collection of graves should be listed as one cemetery rather than individually. 

Do you know of a WWII place, but are unsure of the history of the site? These free resources may hold more information and assist you in compiling your application. When searching, it helps to use several keys words to find results, such as the location, name of place, names of individuals or units. 

• Australia@Waropen_in_new: An online resource with a plethora of information about Australia and our forces during the Second World War, including many places. It is often a good starting point and includes details difficult to find elsewhere.
• Australian Heritage Databaseopen_in_new: This database includes the National Heritage List, World Heritage List, Commonwealth Heritage List and Register of the National Estate. These lists are relatively short (in comparison to other heritage lists) and primarily deal with the highest levels of national heritage. Several of these lists only include properties owned by the federal government, such as lighthouses or active military bases.
• Australian Underwater Cultural Heritage Databaseopen_in_new: The Australian statutory list of all protected underwater cultural heritage, including shipwrecks and sunken aircraft. It is searchable by area, date, name or map.
• Australian War Memorialopen_in_new: The AWM holds a large collection of photographs and objects, which can be searched by person, unit, event, place and more. They may have digitised copies of unit diaries or unit histories, which can provide further information about that unit’s activities at a place.
• Local Heritage Registers: Regional councils are required to have local heritage registers, which may exist as a searchable list. Most councils will have a ‘heritage’ layer on their interactive planning map (available on their website). The level of information on these registers varies by council.
• Local library: Local libraries and heritage centres will usually collect material related to the area’s past, such as books, newspapers and photographs. Asking your local librarian is a great way to get further guidance and they may be connected to, or able to direct you to, the council’s heritage team.
• National Australian Archivesopen_in_new: The NAA collects and preserves Australian Government documents, including soldier’s service records, governmental department files and site plans. These files are being progressively digitised for free online viewing, but this is a slow process. Those files not yet digitised may need to be paid for or can be accessed in person (either in Cannon Hill, Brisbane or Canberra).
• QImageryopen_in_new: An online library of Queensland aerial imagery. For known sites, searching by ‘address’ or ‘lot and plan’ are usually best, although other options are available. Once you have searched by location, be sure to select the smaller ‘search’ beside the address and the site will load all associated images. You will need to then select which image, in which year, you wish to view. Bear in mind, images will vary by colour and clarity, and may not align precisely with the claimed location. It is best to view the site over multiple decades, to see how it has changed.
• Queensland Heritage Registeropen_in_new: The statutory register of Queensland’s heritage places, managed by the Queensland Government. It is searchable by name, place or map, and entries feature an extensive history.
• Queensland Placesopen_in_new: A collaboration between the Queensland Government and University of Queensland to collate the history of Queensland towns. Some entries feature information on the war years and can provide a useful list of references to follow.
• State Library of Queensland Catalogueopen_in_new: Queensland State Library holds a vast collection of images and objects, many associated with the war years. The online catalogue may have digitised maps, photographs or letters associated with your place. Additionally, a free membership grants you access to journal articles and online books. Further resources are available in person at South Bank, Brisbane.
• Troveopen_in_new: A national depository collating digitised resources from libraries, galleries, universities and museums. Sources include newspaper articles, photographs and maps. You may need to filter by year or region for best results.
• Unit and Service Associations: Many units, services and other groups will have an association website. These may provide information about that group’s experience at a place, particularly where they were raised, conducted training, and enjoyed R&R.