In May 1943, one of Australia’s darkest wartime tragedies unfolded just off the Queensland coast. The Australian Hospital Ship (AHS)  Centaur — clearly marked with red crosses and carrying medical staff — was torpedoed without warning by a Japanese submarine.

The sinking shocked the nation, was condemned as an atrocity, and remains one of the most controversial attacks on Australian forces during World War II.

We remember their story today, as Big Cat Reality's James McVeigh joins Burty to tells us more about it.

In May 1943, one of Australia&rsquo;s darkest wartime tragedies unfolded just off the Queensland coast.&nbsp;The Australian Hospital Ship (AHS)&nbsp; Centaur &mdash; clearly marked with red crosses and carrying medical staff &mdash; was torpedoed without warning by a Japanese submarine.
The sinking shocked the nation, was condemned as an atrocity, and remains one of the most controversial attacks on Australian forces during World War II.
We remember their story today, as Big Cat Reality's&nbsp;James McVeigh joins Burty to tells us more about it.

Tune into Step Outside with Paul Burt every Saturday and Sunday from 6am-8am for all the information you need to make the most of your weekends in the Sunshine State.

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Tune into Step Outside with Paul Burt every Saturday and Sunday from 6am-8am for all the information you need to make the most of your weekends in the Sunshine State.

Step Outside with Paul Burt - Highlights

Step Outside with Paul Burt

ANZAC DAY STORIES: The fate of the AHS Centaur Hospital Ship

Tune into Step Outside with Paul Burt every Saturday and Sunday from 6am-8am for all the information you need to make the most of your weekends in the Sunshine State.

FULL SHOW: Step Outside with Paul Burt, April 25th, 2026

What do you know about the first Queensland Anzacs that sailed to war? The soldiers departed from Pinkeba wharf in September 1914 to join the first ANZAC convoy in the war overseas, with these 4 ships carrying over 2,200 troops and over 1,100 horses out of Brisbane.

David Jones, a research volunteer at the Queensland Maritime Museum Library, joins Burty to tell us more. 

What do you know about the first Queensland Anzacs that sailed to war?&nbsp;The soldiers departed from Pinkeba wharf in September 1914 to join the first ANZAC convoy in the war overseas, with these 4 ships carrying over 2,200 troops and over 1,100 horses out of Brisbane.
David Jones, a research volunteer at the Queensland Maritime Museum Library, joins Burty to tell us more.&nbsp;

ANZAC DAY STORIES: Pinkenba Wharf and its part in the first Queensland Anzacs journey to war.

In the heart of Brisbane, inside St John’s Cathedral, lives a remarkable piece of Anzac history — believed to be the last Australian flag to leave Gallipoli. It was carried out under fire by Anglican Chaplain Alexander Maxwell, who, at 59 years old, risked his life to honour the fallen during the final evacuation in 1915. Today, that flag — signed by General Birdwood — stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, faith, and remembrance.

Jayne Keogh from the Naval Queensland Association shares the story with Burty this morning.

In the heart of Brisbane, inside St John&rsquo;s Cathedral, lives a remarkable piece of Anzac history &mdash; believed to be the last Australian flag to leave Gallipoli.&nbsp;It was carried out under fire by Anglican Chaplain Alexander Maxwell, who, at 59 years old, risked his life to honour the fallen during the final evacuation in 1915. Today, that flag &mdash; signed by General Birdwood &mdash; stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, faith, and remembrance.
Jayne Keogh from the Naval Queensland Association&nbsp;shares the story with Burty this morning.

ANZAC DAY STORIES: The fate of the AHS Centaur Hospital Ship

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