20220804 Qld Meandarra

We pulled into this little rural town located in the Western Downs on the Brigalow Creek, and my initial thought was, yeah, it’s just another little town that popped up in the 1860’s. The town is surrounded by wheat and cattle stations and has a population of 262. Turning into the main street when I spotted the ANZAC Memorial Museum, now this I must check out. I try to make a point of sourcing information on the history of towns, only there wasn’t any for Meandarra, but after speaking to a local who has made it her goal to source the history and have it recorded. 

As a formal resident of Meandarra, Mr Rod Keys had an interest in military memorabilia since he completed his conscription service obligations. Rods passion saw his collection develop over the next 29 years with his first purchase in 1976 of the Ferret Scout Car. His collections increased was housed on the family property from 1976 – 2005. But it was in 2003 the council purchased 33% of the collection when the local community expressed the desire to have the artefacts return to the Meandarra area. 

Around 1395 volunteer hours were contributed to the project then on Saturday, 18 July 2009 the official opening saw over 3000 people drawn to Meandarra Museum celebration to share and experience of yesteryears with memories unveiled through the museums display.

The highlight of the construction was the positioning of the A84–204 Canberra Bomber, for the reminder of the museum was to be built around it.

The door trap of the Canberra Bomber up close.

The Ferret Scout Car Mark 11, manufactured between 1952 and 1962, it was a compact and versatile vehicle, produced for the British army to replace the Dingo Scout Car. 

The Ferret Scout Car Mark 11, manufactured between 1952 and 1962, it was a compact and versatile vehicle, produced for the British army to replace the Dingo Scout Car.

Australian soldiers stand with a Bren machine gun carrier during World War II. On the side of the carrier are painted a cigarette-smoking rat and the words “Rats to you!” That is a reference to the “Rats of Tobruk,” the term used by Nazi broadcasters for the forces who withstood a seven-month German siege of Tobruk, Libya, in 1941.

This is just one of many stores of the meaning of a true Anzac

Don joined the Army 5^th July 1940, and within that time he was sent to the Middle East, to serve in El Alamein and Tobruk were he had his 21^st birthday, back in Sydney in 1943 where he was promoted to Corporal, onto a tour of New Guinea were he served in Milne Bay, returned to Townsville in January 1944, then in April he was sent to Morotai, New Guinea, where he served till May 1945, before being sent to British North Borneo, then onto Morotai, New Guinea, where he served till May 1945. Don returned to Australia 30^th October 1945 and was discharged on December 1945. Wow, what a story.

It doesn’t say how or why, Don got his medals, but I’m dam sure they weren’t given away free, and let’s face it, our diggers were one tough bunch.

Don and his brother joined the Army at the same time only Davin was a P.O.W. at Changi. 

Australian soldiers writing their names and addresses on the wall of a former café in Tobruk, Second World War, 1939-1945, and check out some of the towns in Australia.

This displayed aircraft was involved in a training incident near Stanthorpe in 1955 when the aircraft entered a high-speed dive the navigator, flying officer ejected below 1600 metres and was killed.

Cases for Carl Gustav 84mm Anti-Tank

And this is the assembled product.

This would be the cases in action.

Me & Darra, the sign says ask one of the local what it mean, so I did and it all make sence now, 

Me an darra meaning Meandarra, cleaver I thought.

Victory over Japan Day, marks the end of World War II, one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in history. When President Harry S. Truman announced on Aug. 14, 1945, that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, war-weary citizens around the world erupted in celebration.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

SUNSET OVER MEANDARRA