It is with great honour that The Oasis Townsville names their PeeWee Hut 3, after Mr Charles Alley, an Indigenous Australian Army soldier who served in World War I (WWI) and World War II (WWII).

The Chair of The Oasis Townsville LTGEN John Caligari, AO, DSC (Ret’d) said it is important to connect the Townsville Homebase for the Veteran Community to the men and women who served in WWII by naming our Huts after them. Mr Charles Alley has left an incredible legacy behind, inspiring 13 family members to follow in his footsteps and serve in the Australian Defence Force.

“The Oasis was the location of the 13 Australian Personnel Staging Camp (13 APSC) through which servicemen and women who served in the Southwest Pacific in WWII were demobilised. Mr Caligari stated that what The Oasis Townsville does today is very similar to that service provided to WWII servicemen and women and so our WWII heritage is prized.

Mr Charles Alley served in both WWI and WWII in the Australian Army. He was 16 years of age upon signing up for WWI and 38 years old for WWII. His age was clearly no deterrent to serving his country in the Australian Army.

Mr Brian Johnson, Grandson of the late Mr Alley said that our entire family is just absolutely blown away that Grandad has been acknowledged and is receiving such an honour. He joined the Defence Force and did what he needed to do for his country.

“Grandad loved his job and wanted to help his mates and help his country. We have had 13 family members become Australian Defence Force members since Grandad enlisted, and a nephew is about to enlist in the Navy in July this year, Mr Johnson said.

“With our heritage from the demobilising efforts of 13 Australian Personnel Staging Camp Oonoonba in WWII, it is our intent to name all huts after local WWII Veterans, Mr Caligari said”

The Hut Naming Ceremony took place on Wednesday, 24 May 2023 at The Oasis Townsville, Hut 3 with Mr Charles Alley’s relatives.


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