March 14, 2023
A special commemorative service will be held at the historic Spring Bluff railway station, near Toowoomba, on March 17 to remember the 1000 soldiers who left the station at night on their way to serve in World War II.
The service will mark the 81st anniversary of the day the Darling Downs’ 25th Infantry Battalion boarded trains at Spring Bluff at the start of their journey to New Guinea.
Chair of the Spring Bluff Trust Management Committee, Cr James O’Shea, said the service would honour an historic moment.
“The departure of the 25th Battalion was a significant event,” he said.
“It’s hard to imagine that 81 years ago, 1000 soldiers stood on the Spring Bluff platform, ready to fight for our country.
“More than 200 of the troops who departed from the Spring Bluff station that day did not return from the battles at Milne Bay and Bougainville.
“This is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made many years before us, paving the way for our fortunate future.
“Our region has such a rich history. It’s important we continue to remember and honour the significant events that shaped our country.”
The official commemoration service is open to the public and will begin at 2:00pm.
For further information, contact the Spring Bluff Railway Station Trust Management Committee on (07) 4688-6883.
