"MIEGUNYAH"
OFFICERS CLUB AND SAFE HOUSE FOR SRD
DURING WWII

"Miegunyah" is an historic old home located at 31 (or was it 35) Jordan Terrace, Bowen Hills. It was requisitioned by the Commonwealth Government in 1943 after the death of its owner Dr Andrew Menzies in April 1943. "Miegunyah" served several related purposes during WWII for the Services Reconnaissance Department including men of "Z" Special Unit:-

• secure accommodation
• staging point
• meeting/assembly location
• post-operation recovery
• debriefing
• probably a degree of administrative and logistical support

It was apparently known as the "Officers Club" and considered as a safe house for Services Reconnaissance Department operatives.

It is now the home of the Miegunyah Folk Museum.

The iron verandah lace and honeycomb screening visible behind the men in the two photos below identify the building as Miegunyah.

Photo:- AWM 045424

Crew of Operation Jaywick outside Miegunyah in 1943

Photo:- AWM 045420

Reunion of the Operation Jaywick team at Miegunyah

Back row, left to right:- Major (Maj) Herbert Alan Campbell (did not accompany the expedition); B/2575 Leading Stoker James Patrick McDowell, RN; unidentified; unidentified. Third row: Corporal R G Morris, RAMC; S/6543 Able Seaman (AB) Walter Gordon Falls, RAN; B/1506 Acting Leading Seaman Kevin Patrick Cain, RAN; 66175 Maj Ivan Lyon, MBE The Gordon Highlanders (officer commanding Operation Jaywick). Second row; S3428 Leading Telegraphist Horace Stewart Young, RAN; PA2717 AB Mostyn Berryman, RAN; F3383 AB Arthur Walter Jones, RAN. Front row, unidentified; Lieutenant (Lt) Hubert Edward Carse, RANVR; NX19158 Lt Robert Charles Page, AIF.

 

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 28 November 2000

This page last updated 28 September 2026