Camp Keppel Sands (US)

Between mid 1942 and early 1944 Rockhampton was home to two of the four full US Army Divisions (the 24th, 32nd and 41st Infantry divisions, and the 1st Cavalry Division) which trained in Queensland During World War II. The 41st Division, a National Guard unit, was sent to Rockhampton in July 1942, where it was accommodated in Camp Rockhampton.

The US I (1st) Corps Headquarters, under Major General Robert L. Eichelberger, arrived in Rockhampton in August. At this time I Corps included the 41st Division and the 32nd “Red Arrow” Division (also a National Guard unit), which had arrived in Adelaide in May 1942. However, the 32nd did not go to Rockhampton, instead camping south of Brisbane at Camp Cable from July 1942.

The third division to join I Corps, and the second US division sent to Rockhampton, was the 24th Infantry Division, which arrived in Rockhampton in September 1943. The main units of the 24th Division were accommodated at Camp Caves.

Another camp for American troops was Camp Keppel Sands, which had two areas. Area ‘A’ was a reserve acquired in March 1943, located at the southern end of Limpus Ave in Keppel Sands. A warehouse with a slipway to Pumpkin Creek and a bathhouse were constructed here, by the Public Works Department and troop labour respectively, for the 2nd Engineer Special (Amphibious) Brigade. Area ‘B’, also acquired in March 1943, was used by both the 24th Division and the 2nd Engineer Special Brigade. It was located north of Keppel Sands Road, either side of Coowonga Road. Two 10,000 gallon water tanks were constructed here by the Rockhampton City Council.