The Battle Of Brisbane

Australians and the Yanks at War

One of the well-known catchphrases during the war wherever the Americans set up camp among a civilian population was that they were "over-paid, over-sexed and over here". During World War II almost one million American troops came to Australia, mostly to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. When General Macarthur set up headquarters for south-west Pacific operations in Brisbane, the city faced an invasion of its own - although supposedly a friendly one.

American soldiers had smart uniforms, access to supplies no longer generally available, and were exotic unknown quantities - they got the girls. As well, American soldiers and support staff had more money and were able to attract better service in shops, restaurants and pubs. And too often for their liking, Australian soldiers and civilians found themselves the butt of smart American mouths.

Added to this potent mix were resentments held over various theatres of the war, and the scene was set for an escalation in tension that spilled over on Thanksgiving Day in November 1942. During a confrontation on that day an Australian soldier was killed by an American MP. This was not an isolated event, other running streets battles and other deaths occurred.

Many of the events during this unstable period were hushed up, and so the Battle of Brisbane has only really been known through myth and rumour. This book uncovers the story fully and vividly.