Lecture Notes: The Battle of Brisbane (November 26-27, 1942)

Context and Background

World War II and the Pacific Campaign
- The American alliance with Australia was crucial for the Allied Forces.
- Australia served as a base for American military operations in the Pacific.
- By 1945, over a million American soldiers had passed through Australia.
- Brisbane had a significant American presence, with 80,000 soldiers stationed at its peak.

Initial friendly relations between Australian locals and American soldiers.
Animosity:
- Australian soldiers started resenting Americans due to various social dynamics:
  - Better salaries and access to scarce goods by American soldiers.
  - Perceived charisma and more appealing uniforms of Americans.
- Frequent brawls were reported between American and Australian servicemen.

Trigger Event (November 26, 1942):
- Private James R. Stein of the US 404th Signal Company involved in a brawl.
- Incident escalated when American military police arrested him, provoking Australian soldiers.
- A large mob formed, leading to riots and attacks on the US PX canteen.
The Riot:
- Australian soldiers and civilians attacked the PX canteen.
- American MPs used firearms to defend themselves, leading to casualties.
- One Australian soldier, Gunner Edward S. Webster, was killed.

Escalation (November 27, 1942):
- 600 Australian soldiers gathered outside the American Red Cross building.
- Confronted American MPs but violence was avoided.
- Continued assaults on American soldiers in Brisbane.
Resolution:
- Australian MPs and military officials eventually dispersed the rioting soldiers.
- Investigations led to minimal punitive actions:
  - Private Norbert Grant of US MPs was acquitted of charges.
  - Only one Australian soldier received a custodial sentence.

Despite the incident, the US-Australian alliance remained historically significant and solid.
The Battle of Brisbane is a lesser-known but noteworthy event illustrating wartime tensions.