Local Government
Murray
Region
Peel
Forest Block No 23 Marrinup
4 km North-West of Dwellingup, Marrinup
Murray
Peel
Constructed from 1943
Type | Status | Date | Documents |
---|---|---|---|
Heritage List | Adopted | ||
State Register | Registered | 04 Apr 1996 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
Type | Status | Date | Documents |
---|---|---|---|
(no listings) |
Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Category | ||||
Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 26 Mar 2020 | Category A | |
Register of the National Estate | Indicative Place |
Marrinup POW Camp is the only example of a permanent specialised WWII camp constructed in Western Australia. There has been minimal development of the site for the archaeological record is still intact. Marrinup POW Camp is significant as evidence of the impact of WWII on Western Australia, Marrinup POW Camp is associated with the hundreds of men, from both the German and Italian communities, who were prisoners there.
Concrete, retained earth, large tree stumps. Foundations only - no structures. Remains of camp include: masonry foundations; concrete and retained earth foundations; latrines; garden terraces; ornamental gardens, edging, paths; fence lines and drains; tree stump which was used as base for guard towers; refuse features; bridges and stumps.
Officially called No. 16 POW Camp, Marrinup, the place was commenced in August 1943 as part of the ‘Rural Employment Without Guards Scheme’ to alleviate labour shortages. This camp was the headquarters of the Scheme in Western Australia, and was responsible for the allocation/relocation of internees to other parts of the South-West for farm placement. As per the Geneva Convention, prisoners were employed in non-war related work, such as chopping wood for hospitals, etc. Many of those interned were male residents from Harvey and Waroona, which had large Italian populations. Some immigrants had previously applied for Australian Citizenship, thus avoiding being interned. The prisoners were popular with the local people, and it has been said that some of the ‘enemy’ could be found drinking with at the Dwellingup Hotel. The Camp was enlarged in July 1944 to include an additional two guard towers. The place was closed in August 1946 and dismantled in September 1946. In the early 21st century, interpretive signage was installed by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
High
Good (as site)
Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
---|---|---|---|
Heritage Council of WA Assessment | Marrinup Prisoner of War Camp |
Ref Number | Description |
---|---|
037 | Municipal Inventory |
Historic Site
Epoch | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Present Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Other |
Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Other |
Style |
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Other Style |
Type | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Wall | TIMBER | Other Timber |
General | Specific |
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OUTSIDE INFLUENCES | World Wars & other wars |
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