Local Government
Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Region
Peel
Location
Balmoral Rd Jarrahdale
Location Details
Other Name(s)
Site of POW Camp
Construction Date
Constructed from 1943
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 18 Feb 2018 |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 19 Sep 2022 | Category 2 | |
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 31 Jul 2000 | Category 5 | |
Statement of Significance
The site of the former POW camp has historic and social significance as a reminder of the Second World War and how it impinged on the townsite of Jarrahdale and the region. It is also included in the Jarrahdale Guided Walks and so has become an important tourist asset to the town.
Physical Description
Site only set among pine trees and marked by remnants of the camp and an entry statement of two tree trunks with a pole across the top. The former camp was alongside the 39 Mile Brook and near the old railway line.
History
During 1943 and 1944, Italians from North Africa were shipped to Australia and sent to POW camps, Jarrahdale being one selected. The camp was originally set up for the army at the commencement of the Second World War, then converted to a unfenced POW camp, holding up to 200 prisoners with Captain Giblett in charge. Prisoners were housed in tents and made useful by cutting firewood. The firewood was cut using hand tools, crosscut saws and axes, in teams of men. These same men would help load the trucks that came in to take the wood away. The prisoners were given a small sum of money to purchase necessities from the Jarrahdale stores. All washing was done in the creek. Once a month they had 3 days leave, Edgar came into the camp take the men to Mundijong on his truck. From Mundijong the men caught the train to Perth. Some POW interns took it upon themselves to go missing from the camp, going to the Farina’s for a meal and returning to the camp afterwards. In place are remnants of foundations of a pump house and washhouse/ablution block, drainage system and a fireplace chimney of the former mess hall.
Integrity/Authenticity
MODIFICATIONS: Dismantled - remnants only remain
Condition
Poor
Other Reference Numbers
| Ref Number | Description |
|---|---|
| SJ5-17 | Local Heritage Survey |
| 34 | Scheme List |
Place Type
Historic Site
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | OTHER | Other |
| Original Use | OTHER | Other |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | World Wars & other wars |
Creation Date
16 Jun 1997Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
21 Sep 2023Disclaimer
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.