The Exchange at 125: The Battle of Brisbane

On April 5, 1942, the first PX in Australia opened in Brisbane as hundreds of American Soldiers arrived during World War II. That led to some tension with Australian troops.

On April 5, 1942, the first PX in Australia opened in Brisbane as hundreds of American Soldiers arrived during World War II. Tensions between Australian and American Soldiers began simmering almost immediately because the Americans made more money and wore better uniforms.

Tensions boiled over on Nov. 26-27 with the Battle of Brisbane.

The face-off started when American military police ordered a drunken U.S. Soldier to show his leave pass. Australian onlookers began cursing the MPs, one of whom smacked somebody in the crowd with his baton.

The enraged locals attacked the MPs, who fled into the PX only to see the building attacked by rocks, bottles and anything the Australians could get their hands on, even a stop sign.

Riots erupted throughout the city, lasting well into the nights. When the violence ended, one Australian Soldier had died and several Soldiers from Australia and the U.S. were injured severely.