Army Staging Camp at Julago

STAGING CAMP (TOWNSVILLE)
RENAMED TO LEAVE & TRANSIT DEPOT (JULAGO)
RENAMED TO 19 AUSTRALIAN PERSONNEL STAGING CAMP, JULAGO
NEAR TOWNSVILLE, QLD
DURING WWII

13 Australian Personnel Staging Camp at Oonoonba in Townsville was split in November 1943. The new Staging Camp (Townsville) was established at Smyths Railway Siding south of Townsville to look after the troops returning from overseas whilst 13 Australian Personnel Staging Camp was used to assemble and equip troops leaving Australia for the battlefields.

Troops were de-equipped at Staging Camp (Townsville), and either sent south on leave or to the various camps on the Atherton Tablelands.

Photo:- AWM 087880

19th Australian Personnel Staging Camp at Julago on 25 March 1945

Photo:- AWM 087881

19th Australian Personnel Staging Camp at Julago on 25 March 1945

Photo:- AWM 087882

Major Basil Danby Fordon Bellgrove (VX104257), Officer Commanding
19APSC with his Adjutant Captain Colin Bertram Buchanan (Q303309)

In January 1944 the camp was renamed and became known as the Leave & Transit Depot (Julago).

In March 1944 it became known as the 19th Australian Personnel Staging Camp (19 APSC).

Australian Army troops arrived by troop train at Julago railway siding or from New Guinea by ship. Army trucks travelled back and forth frequently between Julago and Townsville Harbour.

Julago had its own open air picture theatre and town water. Hot water was available at the decontamination area only. There were both timber buildings and tents in use at Julago. By March 1945, the capacity of the camp had grown to accommodate 1,500 troops.

The Bruce Highway originally used to travel parallel to the railway line near the Julago railway building which has since been removed.

Plan:- NAA