McGavin View, Vores Road,

Cubed Stone cairn topped by a plaque to the US 1st Cavalry Division.

Dedicated by the 1st Cavalry Division Association, Pine Rivers Shire – Australia Bicentenial, 1 May 1988

 

Refer to additional images.

 “MAY 1943” [coat of arms – shield with diagonal strip and horses head in top right hand corner] JANUARY 1944” [picture of constellation – ‘Southern Cross’] / In 1943 the United States Army 1st Cavalry Division, 15000 strong, built / “Camp Strathpine in then rural Pine Rivers Shire of 4700 population / Advised by combat experienced Australian Servicemen, the Division rigorously / trained here for amphibious and jungle combat. Partially covered today by / Lake Samsonvale, this mountain to sea terrain stretching from Toorbul Point / on the east to the rain forested D’Agulier Ranges on the west toughened the / Division for hard actions in the Admiralty Islands, Leyte, Samar and Luzon. / First in the race to liberate Manilla, the Division was chosen to escort / General MacArthur into Tokyo and became known as the First Team”.  After / 28 years of continuous service in the far east including combat in Korea and / Vietnam, the Division returned to the United States.  We remain continually / grateful to this Shire and all Australia for training, tolerance, hospitality, / comradeship, understanding and support. Your land and people live in our / hearts and are cherished in our memories.  May God grant us continuing / friendship in eternal freedom. / 1st Cavalry Division Association, 1 May 1988 / Pine Rivers Shire – Australia Bicentenial / 1943 ACTIVITY AREAS / PINE RIVERS SHIRE / 1st CAVALRY DIVISION / UNITED STATES ARMY [map of Pine Rivers Shire showing 1st Cavalry Division activity areas in 1943]