SHOOTING IN A TOWNSVILLE FISH AND CHIPS SHOP
ON 28 AUGUST 1942

On August 28, 1942, George Hargrave, a stoker from HMAS Swan, was shot in the stomach by Ernest Helton, an American MP. The incident occurred in a Townsville fish and chip shop in Palmer Street, South Townsville. The argument developed over the possession of a salt shaker. George Hargrave eventually died in Townsville Hospital on 9 September 1942.

The official records state that George Hargrave died as the result of an accident. Ernest Helton was court martialled on 10 October 1942. The shooting was deemed as self defence.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I'd like to thank the late Barry Ralph for the above information. Barry authored an excellent book on World War 2 in Australia called "They Passed This Way".

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 1 December 2000

This page last updated 22 February 2020