The attractive performances by a group of 'lady parachutists' entertained the Queensland military forces, which was a distraction for them since it allowed the opposing forces to easily defeat them at the Battle of Fort Lytton. This is regarded as a pivotal event in the collapse of Brisbane. The origin of this 'lady parachutists' myth, and the connections between this myth and the end of Queensland civilisation led to research on a fascinating episode in Queensland's cultural history, particularly Victorian notions of sexual propriety, 'true manhood' and combined, although veiled threats posed by unfettered female sexuality and male masturbation.