Early in World War II, the leaders of the Allies decided that manpower and equipment would be concentrated in the Europe and Mediterraneann areas of conflict. Supporting Britain, Australia, and New Zealand deployed troops.
But the turmoil escalated through parts of Asia, and rapidly moved into the south western Pacific. For Australia, the fighting was no longer half a globe away - 'over there'; suddenly, it was on the doorstep - 'over here'!
In the first half of 1942, Japanese Imperial Forces occupied Rabaul, the battle of Kokoda Track was underway, Darwin already bombed, and the crucial battles of The Coral Sea, and Midway, were over.
At this time, in regional Mareeba, sightings of Japenese reconnaissance aircraft, reputedly played a part in the closure of Tyrconnell gold mine. Mareeba saw itself become a significant base, for Australian and American troops, and fliers.
Concrete trenches, and air-raid shelters, were built in the main street, the State and Saint Thomas primary schools, had over a thousand feet of trenching dug in their grounds. The American military headquarters were located in the commandeered State School.
Air strikes from Mareeba, against Japenses forces, and bases in Papua New Guinea, were possible on a tank of fuel; but so too, were enemy return forays!
It was soon decided, a black-out, and a relocated siren from the fire-station, was undertaken. Half of the populace didn't hear it, but dutifully extinguished their lights, as the town's street lights went off. The siren was moved twice more, until 1945, when it was returned to the fire-station.
Japan surrendered on the eleventh of August, 1945.
Cairns offered an electric air-raid siren, to Mareeba for fifteen pounds, transport included. The offer was accepted.
Here is that siren ... moved to its last resting place, in 2020.
