Here in History: Gladstone Air-raid Shelters

Jimmy Harris has some very interesting photos that he has gathered over the years. The photo we would like to cover today is of an Air-Raid shelter that was built in Anzac Park, Gladstone. During WW2 when the threat of Japanese attack seemed imminent, people commenced to dig shelters in their yards. All the schools were busily digging zig zag trenches, and they would carry out mock air raid exercises. This photo was taken during this time. 

Old timers have told Jimmy of some of the above ground shelters that were constructed around Gladstone. The ones he remembers are the one in Anzac Park, near the railway station, behind the Court House, on the footpath near the corner of Scenery and Ormond Streets and another in Goondoon Street, halfway between Yarroon and Roseberry Streets. There are possibly other shelters that Jimmy is not aware of but thankfully none were ever needed.