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6th of April 1997 and we're at Wulguru in Townsville. 6th of April 1997 and we're at Wulguru in Townsville.
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Gordon, you obviously were raised in the town, and were living in the town before the war came; can you tell us anything about that? Gordon, you obviously were raised in the town, and were living in the town before the war came; can you tell us anything about that?
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Yes, I was. I was raised in the city. Yes, I was. I was raised in the city.
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Born and bred in Charters Towers and I went to school there.. Born and bred in Charters Towers and I went to school there..
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And I lived all my life there until the 1948. And I lived all my life there until the 1948.
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So when the war broke out So when the war broke out
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what age were you and - and what was the immediate effect on your life then? [Gordon] I was was 17 years of age when the war broke out what age were you and - and what was the immediate effect on your life then? [Gordon] I was was 17 years of age when the war broke out
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and and
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it was a big impact on my life it was a big impact on my life
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because nothing like that had ever happened to anyone in Australia, and that includes myself. because nothing like that had ever happened to anyone in Australia, and that includes myself.
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And And
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as far as army is concerned, as far as army is concerned,
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I was not drafted in the army. I was not drafted in the army.
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I was called up for a medical examination. I was called up for a medical examination.
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That was supposed to be taking place at the RS- um, That was supposed to be taking place at the RS- um,
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the Drill Hall in Church Street. the Drill Hall in Church Street.
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Excuse me for doing that. And Excuse me for doing that. And
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on the day that I was to be examined, I had suffered from sunstroke. on the day that I was to be examined, I had suffered from sunstroke.
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Severe sunstroke which lasted for three days. Severe sunstroke which lasted for three days.
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And I was never called up again for another examination. And I was never called up again for another examination.
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Now, where was I? [Michael] You were called up and they didn't call you up again. [Gordon] That's right. [Michael] So you must have been Now, where was I? [Michael] You were called up and they didn't call you up again. [Gordon] That's right. [Michael] So you must have been
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wanting to do something but - wanting to do something but -
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Well, my first job after I left school was delivering copies of the Northern Miner Well, my first job after I left school was delivering copies of the Northern Miner
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which is printed and published by the Charters Towers Northern Miner office in Gill Street. which is printed and published by the Charters Towers Northern Miner office in Gill Street.
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And I stayed at that job And I stayed at that job
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a little over 12 months. a little over 12 months.
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Then I thought to myself, there must be an easy way to make big money. Then I thought to myself, there must be an easy way to make big money.
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So I went from there So I went from there
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to the Victory Cafe, which is directly, or was directly, across the road from the Regent Theatre, to the Victory Cafe, which is directly, or was directly, across the road from the Regent Theatre,
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as they call it now Ye Olde Regent. as they call it now Ye Olde Regent.
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The building is still there today, but I don't know The building is still there today, but I don't know
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who is - who occupies it or what the building is for. who is - who occupies it or what the building is for.
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That was the Victory Cafe. That was the Victory Cafe.
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So I managed to get a job into the kitchen there So I managed to get a job into the kitchen there
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washing dishes, helping to prepare meals for the American troops and Australian troops. washing dishes, helping to prepare meals for the American troops and Australian troops.
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And the hours were very long, from 5 o'clock in the afternoon till 1 o'clock in the morning, six nights a week. And the hours were very long, from 5 o'clock in the afternoon till 1 o'clock in the morning, six nights a week.
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And I thought And I thought
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to myself, there must be something better that I can do. to myself, there must be something better that I can do.
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So up to that time, we used to have a lot of American soldiers used to come to our home. So up to that time, we used to have a lot of American soldiers used to come to our home.
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Food was not Food was not
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tip top as so many people seem to think. tip top as so many people seem to think.
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The Americans lived very, very poorly as far as their rations were concerned. The Americans lived very, very poorly as far as their rations were concerned.
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And I would say offhand that And I would say offhand that
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they were on the same level of food as what the Australian troops were. they were on the same level of food as what the Australian troops were.
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And I do know for a fact And I do know for a fact
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that a lot that a lot
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of the meat that went to Corinda Aerodrome for the American troops was mostly Charters Towers goat of the meat that went to Corinda Aerodrome for the American troops was mostly Charters Towers goat
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and it came by the name of Mutton stew. and it came by the name of Mutton stew.
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The American soldiers used to get very, very tired of that. The American soldiers used to get very, very tired of that.
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This is why they used to cram the cafes and restaurants at night time This is why they used to cram the cafes and restaurants at night time
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on a leave pass. [Michael] So you - you seem to be an - interested in your -  the, the family in inviting these Americans into the home; was that quite a normal thing for Charters Towers people to do? [Gordon] No. on a leave pass. [Michael] So you - you seem to be an - interested in your -  the, the family in inviting these Americans into the home; was that quite a normal thing for Charters Towers people to do? [Gordon] No.
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In some instances, yes, I would say a lot of instances. In some instances, yes, I would say a lot of instances.
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But there were exceptions where people would have nothing to do with the American soldiers, whereas on the other hand that they would have the Australian troops. But there were exceptions where people would have nothing to do with the American soldiers, whereas on the other hand that they would have the Australian troops.
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And I spoke to one of the Americans one night And I spoke to one of the Americans one night
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and he was from the 68th Base Hospital, which today is the site of St Gabriel's Boarding School for Girls. and he was from the 68th Base Hospital, which today is the site of St Gabriel's Boarding School for Girls.
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And I walked out with him one night after tea as far as the guard gate, And I walked out with him one night after tea as far as the guard gate,
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and I spoke to him and I said, "Are they putting on civilians out here in the hospital?" and I spoke to him and I said, "Are they putting on civilians out here in the hospital?"
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And he said, "Yes, they sure are." And he said, "Yes, they sure are."
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And I said, "In what capacity?" And I said, "In what capacity?"
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And he said, "There are two or three ladies, elderly ladies, in their laundry." And he said, "There are two or three ladies, elderly ladies, in their laundry."
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And uh, And uh,
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he said, "We are looking for males he said, "We are looking for males
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to undertake medical work to start off as an orderly and to raise themselves to the position of being paramedics." to undertake medical work to start off as an orderly and to raise themselves to the position of being paramedics."
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And I said, "Who would I have to see there?" And I said, "Who would I have to see there?"
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And he said, "You would have to see Major Don Constable." And he said, "You would have to see Major Don Constable."
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And so next day I took a stroll out. And so next day I took a stroll out.
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We had no cars in those days. Bicycles were even scarcer We had no cars in those days. Bicycles were even scarcer
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because for the simple reason that the Yanks had bought up every bicycle that they possibly could. because for the simple reason that the Yanks had bought up every bicycle that they possibly could.
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So I went out, walked - took a walk out and I asked him. So I went out, walked - took a walk out and I asked him.
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And I had to wait a few minutes before he came to see me, and he asked me to start next morning at 8 - at 8 o'clock. And I had to wait a few minutes before he came to see me, and he asked me to start next morning at 8 - at 8 o'clock.
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And I said, "What about uniforms?" And I said, "What about uniforms?"
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He said, "We'll take care of that." He said, "We'll take care of that."
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So So
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I started out next morning and the first - my first job I started out next morning and the first - my first job
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I had to start sweeping the floors. I had to start sweeping the floors.
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And I had the impression that within a week I'd be a doctor working among all these. And I had the impression that within a week I'd be a doctor working among all these.
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But uh, But uh,
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owing to unforeseen circumstances, it didn't work out that way. owing to unforeseen circumstances, it didn't work out that way.
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So my next job, after sweeping floors, So my next job, after sweeping floors,
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I had to deliver trolley loads of soiled linen I had to deliver trolley loads of soiled linen
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down to the laundry and return the freshly laundered ones. down to the laundry and return the freshly laundered ones.
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Then uh, Then uh,
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one day, Major Hewitt one day, Major Hewitt
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asked me about cleaning out the dispensary, asked me about cleaning out the dispensary,
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which I did. which I did.
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And I was standing there gazing and reading the labels on a lot of these bottles. I had never heard of half of them. And he said to me, "You seem to be very interested in all these bottles and labels, and packets of tablets and pills." And I was standing there gazing and reading the labels on a lot of these bottles. I had never heard of half of them. And he said to me, "You seem to be very interested in all these bottles and labels, and packets of tablets and pills."
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I said, "Yes, I am." I said, "Yes, I am."
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He said, "I think we can make use of you," he said. He said, "I think we can make use of you," he said.
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And anyway, that's when I started into the real medical part of it. And anyway, that's when I started into the real medical part of it.
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The sweeping of the floors The sweeping of the floors
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and the gathering up of the linen and returning the freshly laundered linen, that was relegated to one of the American corporals. and the gathering up of the linen and returning the freshly laundered linen, that was relegated to one of the American corporals.
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Then I began my medical career looking after the sick and wounded Yanks. Then I began my medical career looking after the sick and wounded Yanks.
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We used to have a lot of them in the ward. Sometimes the ward would be full, sometimes partially emptied. [Michael] When you say 'full', how many men would there be? [Gordon] There'd be anything up to 25. I think there was 25 beds there in that main ward. [Michael] And what part of St Gabriel's were they using for those -  for those as wards for the - for the sick? [Gordon] The two-storey building. [Michael] The two-storey building. [Gordon] Which is now, We used to have a lot of them in the ward. Sometimes the ward would be full, sometimes partially emptied. [Michael] When you say 'full', how many men would there be? [Gordon] There'd be anything up to 25. I think there was 25 beds there in that main ward. [Michael] And what part of St Gabriel's were they using for those -  for those as wards for the - for the sick? [Gordon] The two-storey building. [Michael] The two-storey building. [Gordon] Which is now,
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according to what I hear, it has been relocated to Gordon Street. [Michael] Mmm, mmm. according to what I hear, it has been relocated to Gordon Street. [Michael] Mmm, mmm.
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The top part was the general ward, The top part was the general ward,
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downstairs was an X-ray room, downstairs was an X-ray room,
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the dispensary, the dispensary,
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there was also a treatment room there was also a treatment room
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and the big room at the back was the operating theatre. and the big room at the back was the operating theatre.
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But I was never allowed in there because I was never trained for that work. But I was never allowed in there because I was never trained for that work.
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Then I stayed there Then I stayed there
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from April 1942 from April 1942
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right up to September - right up to September -
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September 1944 staying in that medical capacity with the Yanks. Then as the war receded away from New Guinea and the danger to Australia was over, September 1944 staying in that medical capacity with the Yanks. Then as the war receded away from New Guinea and the danger to Australia was over,
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I - I terminated my work there, and that was when I finished up with the American - United States Army Air Force. I - I terminated my work there, and that was when I finished up with the American - United States Army Air Force.
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That was the whole summary of my medical career with them. [Michael] Mmm-hmm. And after 1944 you went back to? That was the whole summary of my medical career with them. [Michael] Mmm-hmm. And after 1944 you went back to?
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I went from 1944 I went from 1944
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I did not do any work for a while. Employment was very scarce I did not do any work for a while. Employment was very scarce
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unless you were a skilled technician unless you were a skilled technician
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or something of that category. Work was very hard to find. or something of that category. Work was very hard to find.
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And And
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I remember in 1946, I remember in 1946,
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I got a job at All Souls' School. I got a job at All Souls' School.
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And I was more or less a dining room attendant there, which is a long drop from being a medical worker. And I was more or less a dining room attendant there, which is a long drop from being a medical worker.
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Now, after that I stayed there about 12 months and from there I went to Mount Carmel College and I took charge of the sick bay there, as well as looking after the Christian Brothers, their dining room and their private quarters. Now, after that I stayed there about 12 months and from there I went to Mount Carmel College and I took charge of the sick bay there, as well as looking after the Christian Brothers, their dining room and their private quarters.
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Then in 1950 I left there and I went to the railway, and I retired from the railway in 1989. Then in 1950 I left there and I went to the railway, and I retired from the railway in 1989.
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So quite a unique experience to be a civilian, but you're working alongside the Americans in their hospitals. Were there other civilians So quite a unique experience to be a civilian, but you're working alongside the Americans in their hospitals. Were there other civilians
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[Gordon] Yes [Michael] who were doing that at St Gabriel's? [Gordon] There were two or three ladies in the laundry, [Gordon] Yes [Michael] who were doing that at St Gabriel's? [Gordon] There were two or three ladies in the laundry,
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but I never knew who they were. I know but I never knew who they were. I know
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one of them was Marian one of them was Marian
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and her name was Andrews, I think, Marian Andrews. and her name was Andrews, I think, Marian Andrews.
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But who the other two the ladies were, I don't know. But who the other two the ladies were, I don't know.
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They were elderly ladies, but they were very, very friendly. [Michael] Hmm. They were elderly ladies, but they were very, very friendly. [Michael] Hmm.
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And so when you - when you sort of were obviously And so when you - when you sort of were obviously
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trained into this medical sort of work, to - to what extent were they expecting you to - to work with the sick and injured? trained into this medical sort of work, to - to what extent were they expecting you to - to work with the sick and injured?
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Ah, Ah,
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I was not allowed or expected to assist in operations. I never saw any operations whatsoever because they were all closed off. [Michael] Mmm. I was not allowed or expected to assist in operations. I never saw any operations whatsoever because they were all closed off. [Michael] Mmm.
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But I used to do bandaging, washing, But I used to do bandaging, washing,
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and serving food out to them, and also the distribution of medical tablets and pills and so on like that. [Michael] And during the time were you living on, on site, on that site or were you living at home? [Gordon] Oh, no. No, they had no accommodation there for civilian workers. and serving food out to them, and also the distribution of medical tablets and pills and so on like that. [Michael] And during the time were you living on, on site, on that site or were you living at home? [Gordon] Oh, no. No, they had no accommodation there for civilian workers.
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No, I lived ah, No, I lived ah,
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I lived in Boundary Street and I used to go - go to and fro from the hospital from my own private house. I lived in Boundary Street and I used to go - go to and fro from the hospital from my own private house.
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[Michael] And a decidedly better job than what you were working at beforehand? [Gordon] Oh, yes, yes. [Michael] Compared to the Victory Cafe and - [Michael] And a decidedly better job than what you were working at beforehand? [Gordon] Oh, yes, yes. [Michael] Compared to the Victory Cafe and -
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Yes, I picked up a lot of experience and a lot of medical knowledge from them, which today, in my opinion, I think that Yes, I picked up a lot of experience and a lot of medical knowledge from them, which today, in my opinion, I think that
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would be old fashioned. [Michael] Mmm. would be old fashioned. [Michael] Mmm.
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For example, penicillin, For example, penicillin,
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it was only starting to come into use. it was only starting to come into use.
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And the only penicillin we saw at the 68th Base Hospital was raw penicillin. And the only penicillin we saw at the 68th Base Hospital was raw penicillin.
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There was no penicillin derivatives that we have today, for example, Cicatrin or Amoxilin or anything like that. [Michael] Mmm. [Gordon] Those types of There was no penicillin derivatives that we have today, for example, Cicatrin or Amoxilin or anything like that. [Michael] Mmm. [Gordon] Those types of
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penicillin deliv- derivatives, they were all penicillin deliv- derivatives, they were all
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- they were even - were not even developed. - they were even - were not even developed.
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The - this was one of, I guess, a few hospitals that were in the Charters Towers area. What - what sort of The - this was one of, I guess, a few hospitals that were in the Charters Towers area. What - what sort of
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injuries or sicknesses did they have to deal with primarily? [Gordon] Ah,  injuries or sicknesses did they have to deal with primarily? [Gordon] Ah, 
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I would say offhand that we had a number of dysentery cases. I would say offhand that we had a number of dysentery cases.
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We also used to have malaria cases that were sent down from New Guinea. We also used to have malaria cases that were sent down from New Guinea.
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And they had no accommodation here at the hospitals in Townsville in those years. And they had no accommodation here at the hospitals in Townsville in those years.
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There was also fracture cases, for example, a fractured tibia or fibula or maybe a fractured ulna or something like that. There was also fracture cases, for example, a fractured tibia or fibula or maybe a fractured ulna or something like that.
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But the more serious cases But the more serious cases
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after a bombing raid after a bombing raid
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it was it was
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unnerving to see some of the - the remains of what were once human beings brought into the hospital and had to be operated on. [Michael] Mmm. unnerving to see some of the - the remains of what were once human beings brought into the hospital and had to be operated on. [Michael] Mmm.
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Unfortunately, some of them died. Unfortunately, some of them died.
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But most of them, they recovered and we looked after them. But most of them, they recovered and we looked after them.
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Gave them a lot of TLC. Gave them a lot of TLC.
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And I think that combined with the experience and the expertise of the doctors, I think, was really what got them through. [Michael] So there was a relationship, working relationship between the aerodrome, which is just down the road, and the hospital itself? There was - [Gordon] Ah, yes, the aerodrome at Corinda, that was separate from the 68th. And I think that combined with the experience and the expertise of the doctors, I think, was really what got them through. [Michael] So there was a relationship, working relationship between the aerodrome, which is just down the road, and the hospital itself? There was - [Gordon] Ah, yes, the aerodrome at Corinda, that was separate from the 68th.
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There were three doctors there that I can remember. I don't know who they are and I never had anything to do with them. There were three doctors there that I can remember. I don't know who they are and I never had anything to do with them.
15:02

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Ah, occasionally if we were understaffed or very, very busy, we used to go out in the ambulances to the aerodrome and we'd have a radio call coming in to say that a plane had come back from the Coral Sea Battle or whatever, and to be prepared for emergencies. Ah, occasionally if we were understaffed or very, very busy, we used to go out in the ambulances to the aerodrome and we'd have a radio call coming in to say that a plane had come back from the Coral Sea Battle or whatever, and to be prepared for emergencies.
15:21

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We used to go out there and bring them back We used to go out there and bring them back
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into St Gabriel's, which is the 68th Base Hospital. into St Gabriel's, which is the 68th Base Hospital.
15:31

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[Michael] And how many Americans were actually working at the 68th at its height? [Gordon] Roughly, I would say around about [Michael] And how many Americans were actually working at the 68th at its height? [Gordon] Roughly, I would say around about
15:38

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a little over 200. a little over 200.
15:40

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That included the sentries That included the sentries
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and and
15:45

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working staff in the kitchen, working staff in the kitchen,
15:48

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the incinerator attendant, the incinerator attendant,
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and as well as the nursing staff and as well as the nursing staff
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and the doctors. and the doctors.
15:57

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I would say about a little over 200. [Michael] Mmm-hmm. [Gordon] But I don't know if that would be the correct amount or the correct number. I would say about a little over 200. [Michael] Mmm-hmm. [Gordon] But I don't know if that would be the correct amount or the correct number.
16:05

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So you had, I guess, in your So you had, I guess, in your
16:09

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- you would have had weekends to yourself to do, to do as you please? [Gordon] Yes, I had - we used to do it in a rotation. - you would have had weekends to yourself to do, to do as you please? [Gordon] Yes, I had - we used to do it in a rotation.
16:17

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For example, this week I'd have Saturday and Sunday off, and the following week I'd have to work on Saturdays and Sundays. For example, this week I'd have Saturday and Sunday off, and the following week I'd have to work on Saturdays and Sundays.
16:26

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But if the - there was a heavy workload, I was often required to come in. But if the - there was a heavy workload, I was often required to come in.
16:32

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And incidentally, there was no such thing as overtime in those days. And incidentally, there was no such thing as overtime in those days.
16:39

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So what sort of things could you do in a town like Charters Towers in your - in your spare time? So what sort of things could you do in a town like Charters Towers in your - in your spare time?
16:46

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Well, Well,
16:48

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life in Charters Towers in those days was a far cry from the life of today. life in Charters Towers in those days was a far cry from the life of today.
16:56

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We must remember we're going back over 50 years. We must remember we're going back over 50 years.
17:01

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The only venues of entertainment in those days was The only venues of entertainment in those days was
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movies - there was two movie houses in Charters Towers - and dances. movies - there was two movie houses in Charters Towers - and dances.
17:14

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There used to be There used to be
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three places that I can remember that we used to have dances. One was the A - the A.N.A. Hall that was in Deane Street, three places that I can remember that we used to have dances. One was the A - the A.N.A. Hall that was in Deane Street,
17:24

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then there was the Old Town Hall alongside of the post office. then there was the Old Town Hall alongside of the post office.
17:30

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They had a large building at the back They had a large building at the back
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and the girls and the troops used to go down there and have a dance. and the girls and the troops used to go down there and have a dance.
17:39

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And I think there was And I think there was
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another dance hall at the back of the old M.U. Hall. another dance hall at the back of the old M.U. Hall.
17:46

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There was one there but, apart from that, I don't know of any There was one there but, apart from that, I don't know of any
17:50

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other revenues for entertainment. [Michael] Mmm. You mentioned the cafes before too, where your first other revenues for entertainment. [Michael] Mmm. You mentioned the cafes before too, where your first
17:56

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or the second job you ever had. or the second job you ever had.
17:58

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The cafes being a focus for The cafes being a focus for
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- for Americans and, I guess, other - other servicemen to be eating and relaxing and things like that? [Gordon] Oh, yes. - for Americans and, I guess, other - other servicemen to be eating and relaxing and things like that? [Gordon] Oh, yes.
18:07

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The main - the leading cafe in those days was the Victory Cafe. That was run by Jack Griffiths and his wife. The main - the leading cafe in those days was the Victory Cafe. That was run by Jack Griffiths and his wife.
18:17

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And I think they employed And I think they employed
18:21

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three girls there. three girls there.
18:24

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And And
18:28

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I remember that building quite well. It was I remember that building quite well. It was
18:33

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not exactly up to the standard of today's restaurants, not exactly up to the standard of today's restaurants,
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a far, far cry from there. a far, far cry from there.
18:40

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But that was recognised as the leading cafe. But that was recognised as the leading cafe.
18:44

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Then opposite the post office Then opposite the post office
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there was a small cafe there. It was known as the American Cafe. there was a small cafe there. It was known as the American Cafe.
18:53

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They used to only serve hamburgers there because hamburgers were a recognised part of the American diet. They used to only serve hamburgers there because hamburgers were a recognised part of the American diet.
18:60

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They specialised in hamburgers. They specialised in hamburgers.
19:03

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Then I think there was another cafe down there towards the Commonwealth Bank, Then I think there was another cafe down there towards the Commonwealth Bank,
19:09

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the Acme Cafe. the Acme Cafe.
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Then further up off - next door to the Courthouse Hotel Then further up off - next door to the Courthouse Hotel
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there was Mr Williams's barber shop, there was Mr Williams's barber shop,
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then there was the Austral Cafe.That was well patronised by the Australian troops. then there was the Austral Cafe.That was well patronised by the Australian troops.
19:28

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But it was common to see the American soldiers eating there with the Australian troops. But the leading cafe in those days was the Victory Cafe. But it was common to see the American soldiers eating there with the Australian troops. But the leading cafe in those days was the Victory Cafe.
19:40

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There were a number of skirmishes broke out there, but mainly because There were a number of skirmishes broke out there, but mainly because
19:49

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the Australian soldiers didn't have much time for the Americans and the whole issue was just an issue of jealousy over differences in pay. the Australian soldiers didn't have much time for the Americans and the whole issue was just an issue of jealousy over differences in pay.
19:59

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I think the Americans I think the Americans
20:02

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were earning anything up to £25. were earning anything up to £25.
20:05

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Pounds, shillings and pence in those days. Whereas the Australian soldier, he was only getting 7/6. Pounds, shillings and pence in those days. Whereas the Australian soldier, he was only getting 7/6.
20:13

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[Michael] And were there more Americans than Australians, to the best of your knowledge, in terms of presence on the streets? [Gordon] I would say that [Michael] And were there more Americans than Australians, to the best of your knowledge, in terms of presence on the streets? [Gordon] I would say that
20:21

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there was about an equal number. [Michael] Mmm-hmm. there was about an equal number. [Michael] Mmm-hmm.
20:24

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There was a lot of Australian soldiers there, There was a lot of Australian soldiers there,
20:28

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but then by the same token there was but then by the same token there was
20:31

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about the same number of Americans were there too. about the same number of Americans were there too.
20:36

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Okay. Okay.
20:38

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And many - I believe that many of the And many - I believe that many of the
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- the central part of the town, Gill Street and Mosman Street, - the central part of the town, Gill Street and Mosman Street,
20:48

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many of those buildings were actually taken over by many of those buildings were actually taken over by
20:52

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various units for different purposes, either for dances or storing things away? [Gordon] Oh, no, never. [Michael] Nothing like that? [Gordon]  No. The only building that was taken over and shared was the old police station. This is various units for different purposes, either for dances or storing things away? [Gordon] Oh, no, never. [Michael] Nothing like that? [Gordon]  No. The only building that was taken over and shared was the old police station. This is
21:11

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right next door to the Town Plaza. [Michael] Yep. [Gordon] Is there still a police station there? [Michael] Yep. [Gordon] The civilian police? [Michael] Mmm. [Gordon] Well, the civilian police were there. And the American MPs, they were on the bottom floor. right next door to the Town Plaza. [Michael] Yep. [Gordon] Is there still a police station there? [Michael] Yep. [Gordon] The civilian police? [Michael] Mmm. [Gordon] Well, the civilian police were there. And the American MPs, they were on the bottom floor.
21:25

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Whereas the Old Town Hall next door to the old post - post office, the council chambers and their offices had to move upstairs and the bottom part was occupied Whereas the Old Town Hall next door to the old post - post office, the council chambers and their offices had to move upstairs and the bottom part was occupied
21:38

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- was occupied by the - was occupied by the
21:41

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Australian troops, Australian MPs. [Michael] Oh, right. [Gordon] They were there. Australian troops, Australian MPs. [Michael] Oh, right. [Gordon] They were there.
21:48

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The Americans used to wear The Americans used to wear
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the uniform the uniform
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plus a white plus a white
21:57

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band with the word 'MP' emblazoned in black on it. band with the word 'MP' emblazoned in black on it.
22:02

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And they also wore their little caps. And they also wore their little caps.
22:05

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The Austral- the Australian soldiers - ah, the troops, um, the MPs, they did the same, the only difference being that they wore their The Austral- the Australian soldiers - ah, the troops, um, the MPs, they did the same, the only difference being that they wore their
22:15

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their slouch hats. [Michael] Mmm. their slouch hats. [Michael] Mmm.
22:18

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[Gordon] As I said a moment ago, they were in the bottom storey of the old council building. [Michael] [That's right?].  [Gordon] Town Hall. [Gordon] As I said a moment ago, they were in the bottom storey of the old council building. [Michael] [That's right?].  [Gordon] Town Hall.
22:25

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[Michael] And did the - did the town come alive with so many more people - [Gordon] Oh, yes. [Michael] living and working in the - [Gordon] Oh, decidedly so. [Michael] And did the - did the town come alive with so many more people - [Gordon] Oh, yes. [Michael] living and working in the - [Gordon] Oh, decidedly so.
22:34

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Yes, my word. Yes, my word.
22:36

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Then after the Then after the
22:38

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- the war finished in August, - the war finished in August,
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There was that complete absence of activity right throughout the whole city. There was that complete absence of activity right throughout the whole city.
22:49

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Mmm. They say that in the middle of Gill Street there were um, Mmm. They say that in the middle of Gill Street there were um,
22:53

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there were like structures put in the middle of the street for there were like structures put in the middle of the street for
22:58

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ah, like, war - what would you call it? [Gordon] Air raid shelters? [Michael] Air raid shelters. [Gordon] Oh, never. ah, like, war - what would you call it? [Gordon] Air raid shelters? [Michael] Air raid shelters. [Gordon] Oh, never.
23:05

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Never. Never.
23:06

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Never. The only - there was only ever 2 um, Never. The only - there was only ever 2 um,
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air raid shelters. There was one air raid shelters. There was one
23:13

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in the middle of the street directly opposite the hospital gates. [Michael] Mmm-hmm. in the middle of the street directly opposite the hospital gates. [Michael] Mmm-hmm.
23:19

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I could take you right to the spot. I could take you right to the spot.
23:22

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It was a long building around about 50 feet long, It was a long building around about 50 feet long,
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and I would say about 20 feet and I would say about 20 feet
23:29

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wide wide
23:30

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and about 15 feet high. It was solid concrete, and about 15 feet high. It was solid concrete,
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but not strong enough but not strong enough
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to withstand the full force of a bomb hitting it. to withstand the full force of a bomb hitting it.
23:43

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And you went in through one little door, then you went down a small corridor and everything inside was pitch black. There was no electricity or lighting of any sort. [Michael] Yeah. [Gordon] The other one, And you went in through one little door, then you went down a small corridor and everything inside was pitch black. There was no electricity or lighting of any sort. [Michael] Yeah. [Gordon] The other one,
23:56

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it was down there it was down there
23:58

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opposite the Queenton Newsagency. opposite the Queenton Newsagency.
24:02

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That was for That was for
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all those part of the people that lived down that part of - part of the city, and most especially the - the railway employees. all those part of the people that lived down that part of - part of the city, and most especially the - the railway employees.
24:11

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They were the only two. They were the only two.
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People have often argued to me that there was also one in Mosman Street. There was never any in Mosman Street. Never. [Michael] Hmm. [Gordon] But everybody had their own little People have often argued to me that there was also one in Mosman Street. There was never any in Mosman Street. Never. [Michael] Hmm. [Gordon] But everybody had their own little
24:26

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air raid shelters dug in their backyard, and that included the hotels, as well as private houses. They all had their little dugouts. air raid shelters dug in their backyard, and that included the hotels, as well as private houses. They all had their little dugouts.
24:36

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[Michael] And you had one at where your mum and dad lived? [Gordon] Oh, yes. It was not compulsory to build it, but it was advisable. [Michael] Mmm. [Gordon] Especially after the first raid on Townsville. Then there was a flurry of excitement and activity and people digging dug ah, [Michael] And you had one at where your mum and dad lived? [Gordon] Oh, yes. It was not compulsory to build it, but it was advisable. [Michael] Mmm. [Gordon] Especially after the first raid on Townsville. Then there was a flurry of excitement and activity and people digging dug ah,
24:51

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air raid shelters everywhere. air raid shelters everywhere.
24:55

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Made sense. [Michael] Yes. And they had air raid sirens and - [Gordon] Yes. [Michael] those sorts of things that have impacted on the life of - searchlights and - Made sense. [Michael] Yes. And they had air raid sirens and - [Gordon] Yes. [Michael] those sorts of things that have impacted on the life of - searchlights and -
25:05

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Ah, the air raid - Ah, the air raid -
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air raid sirens; there was three that I know of. air raid sirens; there was three that I know of.
25:10

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There was one used to be at the old There was one used to be at the old
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Queenton Fire Brigade Station. It was a two-storey building. Queenton Fire Brigade Station. It was a two-storey building.
25:20

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And they had a steel structure outside for the drying of the hoses. There was one on the top of there that was operated by Mrs Lingard. And they had a steel structure outside for the drying of the hoses. There was one on the top of there that was operated by Mrs Lingard.
25:30

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Then there was another one in the air ventilator on top of the police station in Gill Street. Then there was another one in the air ventilator on top of the police station in Gill Street.
25:37

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I think that was an electric one, I think that was an electric one,
25:42

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whereas the one at whereas the one at
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Queenton, it was hand operated by crank. Queenton, it was hand operated by crank.
25:49

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Then Then
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there was one out at Mrs Smith's residence in Gauvin Street. there was one out at Mrs Smith's residence in Gauvin Street.
25:57

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That's the street parallel That's the street parallel
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to Hackett Terrace but going more towards Charters ah, Mount Carmel College. There was one sitting in the top of a mango tree to Hackett Terrace but going more towards Charters ah, Mount Carmel College. There was one sitting in the top of a mango tree
26:07

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and Mrs Smith used to get up and crank it whenever there was and Mrs Smith used to get up and crank it whenever there was
26:12

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- there was going to be - there was going to be
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the prospect of a raid on the city. the prospect of a raid on the city.
26:18

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But strangely enough, I can - there were none at St Gabriel's, and there were no air raid sirens at Corinda. [Michael] Mmm. But strangely enough, I can - there were none at St Gabriel's, and there were no air raid sirens at Corinda. [Michael] Mmm.
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I have never come to grips with trying to work that out. Why? I have never come to grips with trying to work that out. Why?
26:32

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But as for searchlights, But as for searchlights,
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there was not a lot of them in the city. there was not a lot of them in the city.
26:38

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There were There were
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2 emplacements way out on the other side of Porphyry Creek. 2 emplacements way out on the other side of Porphyry Creek.
26:47

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If you go out through Marion Street and Cambridge Street, If you go out through Marion Street and Cambridge Street,
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and you go out over the ridge, and you go out over the ridge,
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I think there was two out there, emplacements there, and I think there was two behind Buckland's Hill. I think there was two out there, emplacements there, and I think there was two behind Buckland's Hill.
27:04

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People have often said to me, "Was there any on top of the Towers Hill?" There was never People have often said to me, "Was there any on top of the Towers Hill?" There was never
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- never any - never any
27:11

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searchlights on top of Towers Hill. searchlights on top of Towers Hill.
27:15

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There was There was
27:18

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- used to be a single searchlight - used to be a single searchlight
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down towards [Capey's?] Ridge. down towards [Capey's?] Ridge.
27:26

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That was on the left hand side of That was on the left hand side of
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Millchester Road. Millchester Road.
27:32

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There was a - an enormous big American igloo there, but what was in it, I don't - I don't know. I never had any connection with it, but I know there was 2 sentries there on duty all the time. There was a - an enormous big American igloo there, but what was in it, I don't - I don't know. I never had any connection with it, but I know there was 2 sentries there on duty all the time.
27:44

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That was demolished after the war. That was demolished after the war.
27:50

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Hmm. Hmm.
27:52

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And. And.
27:54

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Those - those people that you work with, the Americans, did you socialise with them Those - those people that you work with, the Americans, did you socialise with them
27:59

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or were they a lot  different - [Gordon] Ah - [Michael] different sort of? or were they a lot  different - [Gordon] Ah - [Michael] different sort of?
28:02

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No, the Americans that I knew and worked with  No, the Americans that I knew and worked with 
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they were outgoing, they were very friendly, they were outgoing, they were very friendly,
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And I found them to be very kind and generous. And I found them to be very kind and generous.
28:15

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When I say 'generous', When I say 'generous',
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in those days there were no lollies or sweets or chocolates or anything like that, they were harshly restricted. The Americans used to have a consignment of lollies come in occasionally in those days there were no lollies or sweets or chocolates or anything like that, they were harshly restricted. The Americans used to have a consignment of lollies come in occasionally
28:29

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and they'd always put a few in their hip pockets for the kids. And the kids made a habit and they'd always put a few in their hip pockets for the kids. And the kids made a habit
28:36

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whenever they saw an American soldier, they'd always come up and they'd say, whenever they saw an American soldier, they'd always come up and they'd say,
28:40

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"Have you any lollies?" "Have you any lollies?"
28:43

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Ah, as far as the old people were concerned, if they were living on their own and the Americans used to visit them, they'd always bring the elderly people a tin of fruit or maybe a packet of biscuits. They were very harshly, very strictly rationed in those days. Ah, as far as the old people were concerned, if they were living on their own and the Americans used to visit them, they'd always bring the elderly people a tin of fruit or maybe a packet of biscuits. They were very harshly, very strictly rationed in those days.
29:06

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There's always been, I guess, some talk in the town about a black market going on where people would  There's always been, I guess, some talk in the town about a black market going on where people would 
29:13

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use - [Gordon] Yes. [Michael] different ways to profit from whatever came their way. [Gordon] Yes, there was a grocery store near - near the railway. He was um, use - [Gordon] Yes. [Michael] different ways to profit from whatever came their way. [Gordon] Yes, there was a grocery store near - near the railway. He was um,
29:25

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he was well known for that. he was well known for that.
29:29

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And if you had the money, And if you had the money,
29:32

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whatever you wanted, it was available from this particular storekeeper. [Michael] Mmm. whatever you wanted, it was available from this particular storekeeper. [Michael] Mmm.
29:38

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Also there was a black market went on with the hotels. Also there was a black market went on with the hotels.
29:44

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The hotels used to get a consignment of hard liquor in, for example, whiskey, rum or gin or Scotch, The hotels used to get a consignment of hard liquor in, for example, whiskey, rum or gin or Scotch,
29:54

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and they'd bung up the prices. and they'd bung up the prices.
29:56

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And the Americans had the money to pay for it, but not so much the Australian soldiers. The Australian soldiers had to be content with just draught beer. And the Americans had the money to pay for it, but not so much the Australian soldiers. The Australian soldiers had to be content with just draught beer.
30:08

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I've heard a lot of stories about different I've heard a lot of stories about different
30:11

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hoteliers and the prices they used to charge the Yanks. hoteliers and the prices they used to charge the Yanks.
30:16

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In fact, I know of one lady In fact, I know of one lady
30:19

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hotelier, hotelier,
30:21

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she'd take the bottle off - ah, take the top off a bottle of whiskey, empty it halfway, and fill it up with rainwater so that the rainwater would float on the top. she'd take the bottle off - ah, take the top off a bottle of whiskey, empty it halfway, and fill it up with rainwater so that the rainwater would float on the top.
30:31

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Many a Yank was caught like that. Many a Yank was caught like that.
30:36

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The drinking hours up there, that was all very strictly rationed. They used to have opening hours from 5:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. The drinking hours up there, that was all very strictly rationed. They used to have opening hours from 5:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon.
30:48

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The rest of the day the hotel was closed until tea time and they used to have um, The rest of the day the hotel was closed until tea time and they used to have um,
30:55

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and the afternoon session, they would be from 4:00 to 5:00. and the afternoon session, they would be from 4:00 to 5:00.
31:02

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Occasionally, if you knew the hotelier, you might get a drink. Occasionally, if you knew the hotelier, you might get a drink.