Head back in time for the 75th anniversary of the American training base Camp Cable on September 23 at a free family friendly event.
The commemoration will be held at St Clare’s Primary School in Yarrabilba from 2pm to 8pm.
Division 4 Councillor Laurie Koranski said the anniversary would consist of historical displays, World War II army vehicles and American themed food for purchase.
“There will also be re-enactments, a period fashion parade demonstration, live music and performances by The Village Rockers as well as swing dance lessons for all ages,” she said.
“From 6.30pm to 8pm it will be jive time and participants will be able to dance away to 1940s tunes with a 17 piece live band.
“Council’s Local Heritage Specialist has contacted some eye-witnesses of the time, now in their late eighties and nineties, who have agreed to share their reminiscences during the day.”
City Lifestyle and Customer Services Committee Chairperson Councillor Steve Swenson said the base was a World War II training base for more than 20,000 American soldiers and was located where the Yarrabilba estate is now.
“Camp Cable was built as a training base for the US 32nd ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Division, which was sent to Australia in return for the Australian 9th Division remaining in the Middle East,” he said.
“Most of Camp Cable was constructed between July and October 1942, but by September 1942, 20,000 American troops had arrived.
“Although the camp was only occupied by Americans for two years, it left a lasting legacy in the district.”
The name of the camp was changed from Camp Tamborine to Camp Cable, to honour Sergeant Gerald O. Cable who was killed en-route to the camp as a result of a Japanese submarine attack.
Head to St Clare’s Primary School, 2 Combs St, Yarrabilba, on September 23 from 2pm.