Z-Force Memorial

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value: The place is symmetrically designed with the stone memorial centrally located within a raised grassed plinth, which is flanked either side by flagpoles and set back from the road. Social Value: The place is associated with the ‘Z Force’ Reconaissance Division who trained on Garden Island during WWII, and commemorates their achievements and sacrifices during this period. The place is valued by the community as a memorial to the services of the ‘Z Force’ Reconaissance Division during WWII, and is complemented by another memorial located at Palm Beach on the mainland.

Physical Description

The Garden Island Z Force Memorial is located on the western side of Dampier Drive on a gently sloping grassed site with native bushland on three sides. The memorial comprises a random rubble stone pier, approximately 2.5m high and 1.5m high, raised on a grassed platform that is edged with a low stone wall and accessed by three brick paved steps. Flag poles are positioned either side of the memorial, which features a plaque commemorating the Services Reconaissance Department.

History

The Z-Force Memorial was erected on Garden Island as a memorial to the members of the Services Reconnaissance Department, also known as ‘Z- Force’. This unit, which was formed in 1942, trained on Garden Island during WWII. Z Force was the unofficial and popular name for Z Special Unit. It was one of Australia`s independent forces that operated behind enemy lines in the South-West Pacific during World War Two. Although it consisted of mainly Australian and British personnel, it also contained operatives from the various allied forces including China and resistance fighters from the Japanese conquered South Asian region. The Z Specials’ achievements on more than 80 operations into enemy-occupied territories in the Pacific and Southeast Asia theatres were classified for decades. This secret element of the Australian forces relied largely on the wits and initiative of individual soldiers from diverse backgrounds who often had little knowledge of the areas in which they were sent to operate. The original location of the memorial was closer to the beach, in an area where the Naval facilities were constructed and it was moved prior to the construction of HMAS Stirling to current location at the west side of Dampier Road.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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