Service to commemorate 82nd anniversary of 25th Battalion’s Spring Bluff departure

A special commemorative service will be held at Spring Bluff station this Sunday, March 17, 2024 to remember the 1000 brave soldiers who marched from the Cabarlah Barracks down the range and left the station at night on their way to serve in World War II.

The service on Sunday marks the 82nd anniversary of the historic day the Darling Downs’ 25th Infantry Battalion boarded trains at Spring Bluff station at the start of their journey to New Guinea.

Sunday’s service will honour an historic moment for the Toowoomba Region.

The departure of the 25th Battalion was a significant event in the Region’s history.

It’s hard to imagine that 82 years ago, 1000 soldiers stood on the Spring Bluff platform, ready to fight for our country.

More than 200 of the troops who departed from the Spring Bluff station that day did not return from the battles at Milne Bay and Bougainville.

This is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made many years before us, paving the way for our fortunate future.

The Toowoomba Region has such a rich history. It’s important we continue to remember and honour the significant events that shaped Australia.

The official commemoration service is open to the public and will be held at the Spring Bluff Station on Sunday, March 17, at 2pm.

No pets are permitted at the station.

/Public Release. View in full here.