Woodman Point Quarantine Station

During World War Two, all details relating to "Quarantines or Lockdowns" that occurred at Woodman Point, including all shipping that came under quarantine juresdiction at Woodman Point, and any other relevant health information concerning these vessels, was kept secret because of wartime security regulations. However, under normal conditions all incidents and details that occurred at the Woodman Point Quarantine Station during peace time were reported to the press, thus keeping the West Australian public completely informed of any current situation involving any health scare or development.

The article below, appeared in the West Australian on Saturday 14th May 1949 and describes certain incidents that occurred between the years of 1942 and 1944 at Woodman Point, however there are certains discrepancies in the article that need to be clarified.

wartime smallpox toll at port revealed

West Australian, Saturday 14th May 1949

There is reference to seven "plague" ships in the article, however all these seven vessels were quarantined because of Smallpox cases onboard. One vessel, the Empire Mist, had only suspected cases of smallpox onboard, but these were later confirmed negative. it should be noted that no knowledge of any cases of plague on any of these vessels can be confirmed or authenticated.

Compiled by Earle Seubert