Charters Towers Archives oral histories

Two part interview with Adrian Bell. In the interview Adrian talks about her early memories of the war; the internment of her father; life in Charters Towers during the Second World War as well as her experiences with the American soldiers.

Two part interview with Mary 'Kitty' Wheeler. Mary talks about her family running a convenience store during the war; having to live and run the store on rations; life in Charters Towers during the Second World War; her experiences with the American soldiers, as well as life after the war including meeting up with people who she had known at the time.

Two part interview with Bill Henderson doing the scenic tour of the main part of Charters Towers and how many of the buildings were used in the Second World War.

Two part interview with Alf and Jean Madsen. Alf talks about his involvement with the Volunteer Defence Corps and his experiences in the army. Jean discusses her experiences during the Second World War.

Two part interview with Lee Conn. In the first part of the interview, Lee discusses joining the army and coming to Charters Towers; being a mechanic in the army; the various vehicles he worked on; finding entertainment in town, as well as the influence of the American soldiers on the town. In the second part of the interview, Lee talks about him and his wife buying a pub after the war; the hard years after the war ended, and his experiences running a pub in Charters Towers.

Two part interview with Jessie Landsberg. Jessie talks about the way the war affected her childhood; the way she viewed war as a child; civilian life living on ration coupons, as well as the war ending and life going on as normal.

Two part interview with Kevin and Margaret Coleman. Mr and Mrs Coleman discuss the conditions for civilians during the war; the Charters Towers black market; the work of a laundress for the American soldiers, as well as their experiences with the American soldiers. Kevin talks about the hard work in the army, as well as working on the aerodrome.

Interview with Margaret and Joe Gibson. Margaret talks about her father and his work at the post office during the war; the buildings around town; working at a café; her experiences with the Christian Youth Events held for civilians and soldiers, as well as the dances in town. Joe talks about his experiences at a boarding school; the American soldiers, as well as his experience of life in Charters Towers during the Second World War.

Two part interview with Gordon Glenwright. Gordon talks about his childhood during the war; his father’s job as a mechanic in the Civil Construction Core; sneaking into the army compounds, as well as life after the war.

Interview with Meg Ogilvie. Meg talks about her experiences as a child during the war; her father’s clothing store; living on ration coupons; the Charters Towers black market; her family; the town dances, as well as the victory parade at the end of the war.

Two part interview with Gordon Reid. In the first part of the interview, Gordon talks about his life in Charters Towers; working in a cafe; working looking after injured American soldiers; the different air raid shelters and sirens around town; his experiences with the American soldiers, as well as the black market and inflated prices. In the second part of the interview, Gordon talks about living on ration coupons; the various plane crashes that happened in the area; curfews and entertainment around town as well as the changes to the buildings and people after the war.

Two part interview with Norm Snell. Norm talks about his involvement with the veteran clubs and celebrations in Charters Towers; Anzac day traditions; life during the Second World War; working in telecommunications after the war, as well as the placement of the cenotaph in town.

Frank Taylor recounts his experiences during the Second World War, including the Coral Sea Battle.

Phil West recounts his experiences during the Second World War.

Gladys Chappel recounts her experiences as a civilian during the Second World War.

Keith Taylor recounts his experiences as a child during the Second World War.

Don McLeod recounts his experiences during the Second World War.

A two part interview with Henry Weare. In Part 1, Henry recounts his personal experiences during the Second World War Coral Sea threat. Part 2 consists of Henry reciting poetry.

Mrs. Cable recounts her experiences of working in the post office during the Second World War.

Maurice O’Brien recounts his experiences of working in the aerodromes during the Second World War.

Beattie Landsberg recounts her experiences at school during the Second World War.