CHRISTIAN BROTHERS RESIDENCE, AND
MT. CARMEL CHRISTIAN BROTHERS SCHOOL,
CHARTERS TOWERS, QLD,
COMMANDEERED BY THE MILITARY
DURING WW2

The Christian Brother's residence at Mt. Carmel Christian Brothers School was acquired by Hirings Section, No. 1 Lines of Communication (No. 1 L of C) of the Australian Army for use by the Australian Army during WW2. The Commanding Officer of the local Australian Army unit also wanted the rest of the school but the Christian Brothers and Monseigneur McLaughlin resisted strongly and won.

The school was however eventually taken over by the military and was used as a hospital. The Headmaster, Brother John Vivian Mahony, the other brothers and 30 boarders lived in cramped surroundings at "The Retreat", a residence opposite St. Mary's playground. The Army helped them to move beds, lockers, desks, tables and all their necessary items. The 30 boarders and 40 day students somehow managed to hold classes. 

In early 1943 the primary boys took up residence at the Park Hotel. Their classroom was in the bar. On many occasions thirsty soldiers would turn up for a nice cold one!

Mount Carmel was returned to the school in about 1944. The school was reasonable condition after the Army repaired the damage it had caused during its military occupation.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"And all this shall be added"
Catholic Education in Queensland - Volume VI
by Susan Mary Tobin

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Mary Hooper (Nee Mahony) for her assistance with this web page. Mary is the niece of the late Brother John Vivian Mahony.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 22 June 2002

This page last updated 25 January 2020