White City near Brisbane WW1

[Jean Browne]

What was 'White City' - tents, buildings? Is the name a reference to tents for soldiers and hence services/entertainment for them?

Can anyone elaborate on this 'White City' near Brisbane in WW1?


Returned by steamer from Sydney to Byron Bay and then on to Brisbane arriving the 9th August.

10th August, reported to the Drill Hall in Brisbane, then by train to Enoggera. Marched into camp at Frazer's Paddock.

About sixty of us marched in that morning. Dressed in our civilian clothes and carrying our ports.

The men already there greeted us that morning with various welcomes such as;

"You'll be sorry you joined the army"

I didn't know anyone, but soon made friendships, some of which will remain for life.

IN CAMP

Our civilian clothes were taken from us and we were issued with a suit of blue dungarees, flannels, blucher boots, white hat, two blankets, knife, fork and spoon, plate and mug.

We were then portioned out into tents, twelve to a tent.

Each of us, losing our identity, becoming known from then on, as a number. For me, it was; J 16242 of "A" Company.

Then the first inoculation and freedom to roam about the camp for the next two days.

The various camps, which went by the names; Frazer's Paddock, Bell's Paddock, Rifle Range and so on, were well laid out.

Huts were under construction ( which eventually did away with the tents ) and we had our meals in large sheds, holding three hundred or more.

There were good recreation huts, with pianos, billiard tables etc, each managed by either the Y.M.C.A., the Church of England or the Salvation Army.

A White City was constructed for the troops' amusements. It had a picture show, ( free ), boxing hall and restaurants.