The Saga Of Cardwell: 1940 - 1970

The Second World War also left its mark on the region. In December 1942, the American B24 bomber Texas Terror crashed on Mount Straloch, killing all on board – five crew members and seven passengers. Cardwell later became home to the Battle of the Coral Sea memorial, commemorating the fierce battle fought in 1942 against the Japanese by US allies just 800 metres off the Queensland coast.

Post-war developments saw gradual population growth and economic changes. In 1961, the Cardwell Shire Council area had a population of 5,183, and by 1967 the Queensland Government called for applications for the development of a tourist resort at Cape Richards; consequently, Hinchinbrook Island Proprietary Limited were granted the lease. The current jetty – the third constructed at Cardwell – was officially opened in July 1969. Hinchinbrook Island itself, recognised as Australia’s largest island National Park, spans 52 km in length and 10 km in width, with its highest peak, Mt Bowen, reaching 1,142 metres.

Texas Terror: There were heavy storms around Ingham and Cardwell that morning, and the crew would not be expecting such big peaks as those found on Hinchinbrook while flying over the sea. Although coastal residents reported seeing a flash on Mt Straloch on the day of the crash, and later sugar mill workers reported seeing sunlight flash off pieces of metal just below the summit, the search for the "Texas Terror" was concentrated further north.

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