Kings Beach Statues
Behind the Story
Little is widely known of the role the Caloundra area played during WWII. In fact, it was significant, and it is time the story was told for all to hear.
A Local member of the Caloundra RSL Sub Branch, Gary Phillips, took it upon himself to create some form of memorial for the people of Caloundra and its numerous visitors to recognise the role played not just by Caloundra, but also some of the people who resided in the area. With the assistance of local philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson, recognition of the role Kings beach and the Caloundra area played in WWII has been made possible through two statues to depict the suffering, loss and care experienced by war.
The story starts at Kings Beach, where the parade ground was located. Below are photos of the parade ground, the first look out to sea and the second looking inland.
Kings Beach Parade Ground during World War Two
Caloundra Area during WWII
Between 1942 and 1944 the Currimundi and Kawana Waters areas were used primarily for live firing practice by Army Artillery, hence the name Battery Hill. Army engineers also built a bridge over Currimundi Creek to gain access to those areas.
Thousands of troops camped and trained in the local areas. Soldiers camped in their tents around the area, including Caloundra, Battery Hill and Kings Beach. Troops were also stationed outside of Caloundra at Mooloolah, Buderim, Conondale and Landsborough, training in jungle warfare tactics before they left for New Guinea and Borneo.
Australian War Memorial records show 30 units were stationed in or deployed from Caloundra. To the uninitiated that could mean up to 30,000 men and women.
All branches of the military were represented. However it mainly consisted of Australian Infantry, Armour, Artillery and supporting troops.
Red Cross nurses attended the sick and wounded soldiers at at a makeshift hospital, which was located at Strathallan guesthouse, Lower Gay Terrace Caloundra.
Troops marching to Kings Beach from Battery Hill for a swim and Strathallan guesthouse, Lower Gay Terrace Caloundra.
Kings Beach during WWII
Kings Beach played an important role during the war and was the main parade ground for the military. Between 1939 and 1945, it is estimated 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers stood on the white sand and parade ground of Kings Beach. Either end of Kings Beach were protected by Vickers Machine Guns.
Further north at Wickham Point a Naval Signal Station was established. Accommodation for the Women based there was established in Marine Parade.
The main beach area of Kings Beach became a parade ground, across which passed thousands of troops.
The ‘Parade Ground’ at Kings Beach is considered a holy place. For many, it’s considered a place where the spirits of fallen soldiers still reside to visit their mates.
Significance of Parade Ground
Within any Army, the Parade Ground holds a symbolic representation. This is a sanctuary of a unit’s fallen soldiers and in line with this symbolism is deemed ‘hallowed ground.’
A term used in line with the Parade Ground is ‘holding ground’ and by definition is troops keeping the ground. Troops are positioned at the corners of a parade ground to 'hold ground.' These troops are equipped with weapons such as lances, mortars and guns. This symbolism provides protection to the unit parading to carry out its ceremonial duties safely.
Gun Emplacement at Battery Hill and a Guard at the Bridge over Tooway Creek
The Statues
The statues were created by Jane Bailey and Mark Snell from Lavaworx Art Studios.
The statues recognise the significant role that the Caloundra region played during both of the World Wars. In particular the use of Kings Beach as a parade ground during WWII.
The vision for the artwork is to help tell a story of the local history of the area for local residents and visitors alike. Additionally, the statues honour the veterans and citizens of this region.
The two statues are aptly named 'On Guard' and 'Comfort'.
- A Soldier on guard protecting his fellow comrades and the hallow ground
- A nurse attending and providing comfort to a wounded soldier on a stretcher
The sculptures represent participants in the events of WWII, including those of the Caloundra area.
Two local WWII veterans provided the inspiration for the figures in the statue design.
- Raymond (Ray) Cook - a local Caloundra WWII soldier is depicted as the “On Guard” statue. Ray served on Bribie Island during WWII, amongst many other posts throughout the war.
- Faye Clarke - another Caloundra WWII veteran who served as a nurse in Australia, the Middle East, Borneo, and Papua New Guinea during WWII.
Artist Drawings for the Statue Design
Statue Dedication
The Statues were officially dedicated on the afternoon of Saturday 13 August 2022. In attendance were veterans from the Caloundra RSL Sub Branch, personnel from the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps, Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, the Australian Army Band Brisbane, Special guests Phil and Nola Thompson plus Faye Clarke
Statue Dedication and Attendees Reviewing the Statues
Faye Clarke supported by members of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps inspect the Statue "Comfort" and Sculptor Mark Snell working on the Statue "On Guard"