The memorial commemorates Indigenous and non-Indigenous ex-servicemen from Weipa , Cape York , involved in defence activities in two world wars.
The entrance has a sign made from Cooktown Ironwood by local Rangers. The entrance pathway is guarded by six ironstone boulders, representing the 12 tribes that came to live at Weipa Presbyterian Mission .
The pathway leads to a large propeller, which is from one of two USAAF P-47D Thunderbolt fighters which force-landed near Duyfken Point in 1944 – Weipa men paddled over Albatross Bay in a dugout canoe to go to the aid of the two young American pilots.
In 1943, 16 men from Weipa enlisted in the 2nd Australian Water Transport Group, Royal Australian Engineers and served on the Army unit’s barges, landing craft and luggers until 1946. (15 enlisted at Weipa and one later on Thursday Island).
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| Abra photos . |
The bronze plaques on the memorial contain a roll of honour, a nominal roll, and stories of wartime events. A sketch of a pearling lugger by Ron Edwards also graces one of the plaques.
