http://capitaldefence.orconhosting.net.nz/prfles/other/dorset1.htm
FORT DORSET
- ARTICLE -
Coastal Defence artillery and Army Base.in Seatoun, Wellington , New Zealand.
© Darcy Waters 1999-2002
Fort Dorset was located in the suburb of Seatoun at the entrance to the harbour of Wellington. This brief profile is about the buildings and structures rather than the people who have been at Fort Dorset.
As early as the late 1870's Pt Dorset was identified as a ideal site for a coastal battery. This was recommended by Colonel Scratchely. However this advice was ignored and work was undertaken to defend the inner harbour.
In 1908 work began on constructing a 2 gun battery using 6"MkVII guns (on MkII mountings) on the top of the ridge at Pt Dorset. By 1912 these 6" guns were manned by the Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers. Near this battery was a battery of 12pdr guns. Also by this time there were searchlights which were powered by engines which were in a shed on the landward side of the eastern ridge. In 1914 the 12pdr guns were removed and installed on merchant ships due to World
War 1.
As the defence focus had moved from defending the inner harbour to denying access to the harbour many of the inner harbour forts were shut down. Between World War 1 and World War 2 Fort Dorset had permanent personnel who maintained the various coastal artillery equipment around Wellington. The 12pdr guns were returned to Fort Dorset in 1921.
By 1926 the buildings that comprised the camp area were all south of what was to become the parade ground. The area northward of this was largely marshy ground. It was sometime during 1926 or 1927 that a building was shifted from the camp at Featherston. This building was located immediately south of (what in the 1980's was) the "Q Store". This building from Featherston was eventually joined to the building south of it to become part of Fort Dorset HQ.
In 1908 work began on constructing a 2 gun battery using 6"MkVII guns (on MkII mountings) on the top of the ridge at Pt Dorset. By 1912 these 6" guns were manned by the Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers. Near this battery was a battery of 12pdr guns. Also by this time there were searchlights which were powered by engines which were in a shed on the landward side of the eastern ridge. In 1914 the 12pdr guns were removed and installed on merchant ships due to World
War 1.
As the defence focus had moved from defending the inner harbour to denying access to the harbour many of the inner harbour forts were shut down. Between World War 1 and World War 2 Fort Dorset had permanent personnel who maintained the various coastal artillery equipment around Wellington. The 12pdr guns were returned to Fort Dorset in 1921.
By 1926 the buildings that comprised the camp area were all south of what was to become the parade ground. The area northward of this was largely marshy ground. It was sometime during 1926 or 1927 that a building was shifted from the camp at Featherston. This building was located immediately south of (what in the 1980's was) the "Q Store". This building from Featherston was eventually joined to the building south of it to become part of Fort Dorset HQ.
It was not until the 26th April 1929 that Fort Dorset was officially declared as a military establishment in the "Gazette" No. 28.
A aerial photo taken in 1938 shows many of the camp buildings that existed in 1927 still remained with the addition of a number of buildings built since the 1927 photo. Among some of the buildings that were built since 1927 included the gun bays north of what was becoming the parade ground and also Nui Dat - a two story building.
Fort Dorset and the new 6" battery built at Palmer Heads above Strathmore were at the outbreak of World War 2 the only large coastal guns in place to defend Wellington. During World War 2 a third gun was added to the Palmer Heads battery, Fort Opau - another 6" battery was built during 1941/42. The large 9.2" battery on Wrights Hill above Karori which was started in 1942 was not finished until after the war. During the Second World War quite a few buildings were added to accommodate the increase in personnel. Also during this period of construction overhead covers for the 6" guns were added.
Early in World War 2 Seatoun Park was used as a satellite camp with Phase 1 type accommodation for personnel while accommodation was being organised at the various defence sites around Wellington. Fort Dorset at this time was the HQ for the heavy artillery Regiment that manned the various coastal defence batteries.
At its prime. There was a total of no less than four different batteries of guns that were part of Fort Dorset. Among them were 6" guns, 4"guns, Q.F. 12pdr guns as well as searchlights Along the southern ridge line were numerous fire control posts and observation posts as well as guns.
After the war staffing was greatly reduced and the remaining staff maintained the equipment of Wellingtons coastal batteries. With the introduction of CMT in 1950 the fort was used for coastal artillery training. CMT was abolished in 1958.
In 1952 the building that became Fort Dorset's Officers Mess was shifted down from the Palmer Heads Fortress Area.
In contrast to the extensive amount of construction work undertaken since 1930 in developing and strengthening the defences it was decided in 1957 that the Coastal Defences were no longer required. So in the summer of 1960/61 the 6" guns at Fort Dorset were removed and scrapped along with the guns from the Palmer Heads Fortress area and the Fortress on Wrights Hill. The scrap merchant was an Australian company who then sold the scrap metal to (ironically) the Japanese.
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A aerial photo taken in 1938 shows many of the camp buildings that existed in 1927 still remained with the addition of a number of buildings built since the 1927 photo. Among some of the buildings that were built since 1927 included the gun bays north of what was becoming the parade ground and also Nui Dat - a two story building.
Fort Dorset and the new 6" battery built at Palmer Heads above Strathmore were at the outbreak of World War 2 the only large coastal guns in place to defend Wellington. During World War 2 a third gun was added to the Palmer Heads battery, Fort Opau - another 6" battery was built during 1941/42. The large 9.2" battery on Wrights Hill above Karori which was started in 1942 was not finished until after the war. During the Second World War quite a few buildings were added to accommodate the increase in personnel. Also during this period of construction overhead covers for the 6" guns were added.
Early in World War 2 Seatoun Park was used as a satellite camp with Phase 1 type accommodation for personnel while accommodation was being organised at the various defence sites around Wellington. Fort Dorset at this time was the HQ for the heavy artillery Regiment that manned the various coastal defence batteries.
At its prime. There was a total of no less than four different batteries of guns that were part of Fort Dorset. Among them were 6" guns, 4"guns, Q.F. 12pdr guns as well as searchlights Along the southern ridge line were numerous fire control posts and observation posts as well as guns.
After the war staffing was greatly reduced and the remaining staff maintained the equipment of Wellingtons coastal batteries. With the introduction of CMT in 1950 the fort was used for coastal artillery training. CMT was abolished in 1958.
In 1952 the building that became Fort Dorset's Officers Mess was shifted down from the Palmer Heads Fortress Area.
In contrast to the extensive amount of construction work undertaken since 1930 in developing and strengthening the defences it was decided in 1957 that the Coastal Defences were no longer required. So in the summer of 1960/61 the 6" guns at Fort Dorset were removed and scrapped along with the guns from the Palmer Heads Fortress area and the Fortress on Wrights Hill. The scrap merchant was an Australian company who then sold the scrap metal to (ironically) the Japanese.
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During the 1980's the role of Fort Dorset was that of providing accommodation for about 200 military personnel as well as transit accommodation for members of the Air Force, Army and Navy. Also the fort provided regimental messing facilities and personnel administration support for the Army General Staff and Defence HQ.
Many of the buildings were refurbished in the 1980's. This is ironic (in hindsight) since on the 1st of November 1991 Fort Dorset was officially closed.
Many of the buildings were refurbished in the 1980's. This is ironic (in hindsight) since on the 1st of November 1991 Fort Dorset was officially closed.
Between November 1991 and June 1999 various groups and individuals have had permission to use occupy/use parts of Fort Dorset for various purposes.
The Ministry of Education was authorised in December 1997 to buy 2.5 Hectares for a new Seatoun School as the existing school is too small and cramped for today's requirements.
7 Hectares on the southern end of Fort Dorset rezoned as residential for development for town houses.
The Ministry of Education was authorised in December 1997 to buy 2.5 Hectares for a new Seatoun School as the existing school is too small and cramped for today's requirements.
7 Hectares on the southern end of Fort Dorset rezoned as residential for development for town houses.
I have had access on several occasions during 1998/99 to photograph Fort Dorset as part of a photographic record of the remains of military works around Wellington. This record is an ongoing project of mine. At Fort Dorset I had full access to both the grounds and building interiors. Which is just as well as preservation of existing buildings didn't feature in the future uses of the land.
At midnight in the evening on the 2nd June 1999 the central part of the camp from the gun bays southward to the tennis courts (inclusive) became property of the Ministry of Education.
Not that long afterwards - in August 1999 demolition work started. From the photos I have seen of the demolition (taken by the Army) it appears that various fittings such as window frames etc. were being salvaged. Not surprising given when many of the buildings were built. Whether this salvaging will be done on all buildings I do not know.
Construction of a Medieval village around the 2 composite squadron HQ/Gym/conference rm bldg and tennis courts. Most likely a film set possibly for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films. This set was only up for a short time.
Not that long afterwards - in August 1999 demolition work started. From the photos I have seen of the demolition (taken by the Army) it appears that various fittings such as window frames etc. were being salvaged. Not surprising given when many of the buildings were built. Whether this salvaging will be done on all buildings I do not know.
Construction of a Medieval village around the 2 composite squadron HQ/Gym/conference rm bldg and tennis courts. Most likely a film set possibly for Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films. This set was only up for a short time.
As at the 9th April 2000 when I visited the Fort to check on the demolition only a hand full of buildings had been demolished. These were 22(D) Btty HQ, 22(D) Btty Q store, Gun Bays, Squash court/hobby hut, VIP Chalet, the 2 storey Officers Mess and it's boiler house, Tiwaiwaka and Kereru (officers quarters) and the Armoury.
I am uncertain as to when Seatoun School will be shifting into the new buildings as at the time this article was originally written in September 1999 it was to be about August with Seatoun Kindergarten shifting soon after. However given the progress of work on site it appears to be next year at the earliest.
I am uncertain as to when Seatoun School will be shifting into the new buildings as at the time this article was originally written in September 1999 it was to be about August with Seatoun Kindergarten shifting soon after. However given the progress of work on site it appears to be next year at the earliest.
It is a great shame that Fort Dorset has disappeared. A few of it's buildings dated back to the 1920's while many of it's buildings were built during World War 2. Although many of the buildings were refurbished internally in the 1980's their exteriors remained virtually unchanged over the years with the camp appearing like it did in the 1950's. Until it's demolition Wellington had a great collection of military works remaining - although many were in various states of disrepair.
The plan I saw when photographing the buildings back in 1999 showed the school being the northern part of the camp. According to the Dominion, Thursday April 26th 2001 The Southern section of the camp will be the housing subdivision. The developers plans clearly show the subdivision being at the southern end of the camp occupying the area where the Sergeants Mess, Conferences room/gym, Matrons Quarters, Kea, Tui, Kangaw and Kotare barracks are. The drive from Burnham street to Dorset Cove will run along where the Guard House, Q Store and Fort Dorset HQ are. (And one of the buildings forming part of the Fort Dorset HQ was originally at the Featherston Camp until 1926/7).
The Dorset Cove subdivision will have 16 sections with the cheapest going for about $395,000 (section only). Resource consent had been notified with submissions to the Wellington City Council closing on May 22nd 2001. Apparently the land was sold for about $6 million. The developer is Globe Holdings Ltd and their website for Dorset Cove is atwww.dorsetcove.com. At their website are various plans relating to the subdivision.
When I visited the site on Sunday the 2nd of September 2001 construction of the new school was well underway with the foundation, floor and main pillars of one built while another building has foundations and floor being done. A fence was going up running across between where the gun-bays and PWD workshops were. Meanwhile at the south end of the camp demolition work is virtually complete except for the removal of foundations. The ridgeline and scrub area is reserve land thus meaning that the observation posts, emplacements and related structures along the rudge are not in imminent threat.
Seatoun School shifted into it's new buildings at the Fort Dorset site during the April school holidays. As of the 12th of July 2002 Seatoun School had about 313 students. The school occupies the southern sports field (that was opposite the Fort Dorset HQ) as well as the area that the parade ground and 22(D) gunbays and offices occupied.
Work started mid 2002 for the Point Dorset subdivision which will occupy the land North of the new Seatoun school (from behind where the 22(d) battery gun bays were) mid 2002. This is also being developed by Globe Holdings Ltd.
The demise of Fort Dorset is very unfortunate. The land south of the new school is the Dorset Cove subdivision and the land north of the school is listed at Globe Holdings Ltd website as being for the "Point Dorset" subdivision. This means that Shelly bay is the only WW2 site that is predominantly composed of wooden structures in Wellington. And even that site is not safe from the threat of demolition.
Reference:
Official War History of the Public Works Dept.
F.G. Grattan
Official War History of the Public Works Dept.
F.G. Grattan
Fort Dorset Record Book
AD88 item ref 2
(Nat Arc - Wgtn)
Fort Dorset Information Booklet
Internal publication,
New Zealand Army.
Numerous Site visits.
www.dorsetcove.com - the developer -
Globe Holdings Ltd website for the subdivision.
Various Evening Post and Dominion newspaper articles
AD88 item ref 2
(Nat Arc - Wgtn)
Fort Dorset Information Booklet
Internal publication,
New Zealand Army.
Numerous Site visits.
www.dorsetcove.com - the developer -
Globe Holdings Ltd website for the subdivision.
Various Evening Post and Dominion newspaper articles
Education Review Office -
Supplementary Review Report:
Seatoun School July 2002
Supplementary Review Report:
Seatoun School July 2002
Fort Ballance
FORT BALLANCE
- ARTICLE -
Coastal Defence Installation Base.
On Pt Gordon, Wellington , New Zealand.
© Darcy Waters 2000-2011
Fort Ballance was the principal coastal defence installation around the beginning of the Twentieth century. It is situated on Pt Gordon - on the northern end of the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington, New Zealand.
Work started on the fort in 1885 and by 1888 it had two 7" RML guns, a 6" BLHP gun, two 6pdr QF Nordenfelt guns as well as associated magazines, engine rooms and Barracks. The magazine for the North 6" BLHP gun has two levels with the lower one used for the storage of the shells and cartridges which were lifted up to the main level by block and tackle. The rings for the tackle remain attached to the ceiling above the hatches. Another 6" BLHP gun later replaced the south 7" RML gun with modification of the gunpit to suit.
On the western side of the fort beneath the southern Fire Control Station was the barracks. It was a long masonry structure with entrances at both it's ends. The front of the barracks contained three rooms. Both of the end rooms had fireplaces in them. The two rooms behind the centre room are set into the side of the hill. The wall of the fort runs between the 6pdr QF Nordenfelt emplacements on the flanks and the Barracks building. This wall appears to be made of corrugated Iron - which in fact it is two sheets of corrugated iron about 6" apart with concrete poured into the gap between them (like a sandwich).
On Mt. Crawford on the landward side of the fort a Musketry parapet was constructed. This was to defend the landward approached to Fort Ballance and its associated works. Among the associated works was a control station for the minefield that was to be laid across the harbour channel in times of need. It was northward of Fort Ballance and has a short curving tunnel which led to two underground rooms. The smaller of the two rooms has a slit window offering a view of the minefield. The mines were to be detonated electrically. However this minefield was never needed and thus never laid.
Down the bank a bit on the Seaward side of the fort is an emplacement for a "See-Saw" searchlight emplacement. A lamp sat on the bottom end of a boom with a mirror on the top end to reflect the light outward. This arm could pivot to project the light in the desired direction. It was not that effective however. This was built about 1891/92 and was abandoned in the late 1890's. It is the only one built in New Zealand and is one of a small number of them internationally.
About 100ft south of Fort Ballance another battery was built. This was Fort Gordon and was armed with a 8" BLHP gun. It's magazine was built in the hillside with a short access tunnel with BOP above it.
At sea level at the foot of Point Gordon was built The Low Battery with two 64pdr RML guns which were removed from Fort Buckley. The Low Battery's guns were removed about 1904 when a 12pdr QF battery was emplaced nearby.
The defence focus which saw the numerous gun batteries built around the headland of the Miramar Peninsula shifted from denying entrance to the harbour to denying entrance to the harbour channel. As a result these emplacements including the ones built at Point Gordon had passed their prime by the beginning of World War 1 with Fort Dorset located at Pt Dorset by the entrance to the harbour channel being the principal coastal defence installation. This focus was to move even further outward by World War Two. Despite this Fort Ballance was manned during the World War 1.
The BLHP guns and 6pdr's were declared obsolete in 1925 and the fort was abandoned as a coastal defence installation. Both the BLHP gun emplacements of Fort Ballance and Fort Gordon were roofed over and were used as ammunition storage. By February of 1941 instructions were given for two 4" gun emplacements with searchlight emplacements, engine rooms, Battery Observation Post, Command Post, War shelter and personnel accommodation. The large flat terrace on the landward side of Fort Ballance was created during this work to provide space for the Barracks. By February 1942 the Japanese were advancing through South East Asia and into the Pacific and so as part of a massive defence building program a twin 6pdr battery with War shelter, Command Post and additional accommodation was built nearby. The BLHP emplacements were still being used as ammunition storage.
In August 1957 the Government announced that the Coastal Artillery was obsolete and thus over the following few years most of the Coastal Defence batteries were decommissioned. At some stage since World War 2 - possibly in the 1970's the BLHP emplacements of Forts Ballance and Gordon were filled in with dirt. The dirt in the emplacements at Fort Ballance was later excavated about April of 1992. The Army built six houses where during World war 2 barracks had stood on the terrace on Fort Ballance's landward side. These houses were removed either late 1990 or in 1991.
Although little remains today of the works built during World War Two on Point Gordon Fort Ballance is still largely intact despite being devoid of equipment and fittings. Fort Gordon is still buried over but otherwise structurally intact. However the Low Battery has disappeared with only it's partially sealed up magazine set into the hillside remaining.
Fort Ballance has a category ˜A' Historic Places Trust classification And is listed on the Wellington City Council's Heritage inventory. The land that the fort occupies is still owned by the Defence department along with much of the Miramar headland northward of Shelly Bay and Scorching Bay (other than Justice department's prison land.) and has been deemed surplus to requirement. It is (at the time of writing) still going through the process employed for the disposal of Crown land.
Unfortunately the future of the defence land is uncertain despite the fact that not only does it contain Forts Gordon and Ballance as well as their associated structures but also the aforementioned musketry parapet, Kau Pt Battery (8"BLHP gun), Halswell Battery (8"BLHP gun), Shelly Bay Airforce base (formerly HMNZS COOK) who's buildings predominantly built during World War 2 but varying from about 1880 to the early 1990's, Magazine area, 3.7" Anti- Aircraft Battery.
I have had the opportunity in late 1999 to walk over the headland visiting in turn each of the above mentioned sites checking up on their condition. Despite the fact I was near the Airport I found the Headland to be a quiet tranquil area - ironic since the area was developed to violently repel any invading forces. Unfortunately if Suburbia invades this area then even if the sites themselves remain the interrelationship of the sites that still exist will be lost forever.I had another opportunity on the 2nd July 2004. By this visit the caretakers house partway down the track to Scorching Bay had been removed. The track furter down was heavily overgrown. The barrack area grass had been mowed although the Fort buildings were badly overgrown.
Darcy Waters.
February 12, 2000
ADDENDUM:
On On Tuesday the 1st of November 2011, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson announced the establishment of the Watts Peninsula Reserve.
This reserve will encompas the Defence Dept and Justice Dept land and includes numnerous Maori and Military heritage sites.
This reserve will encompas the Defence Dept and Justice Dept land and includes numnerous Maori and Military heritage sites.
This became the Massey Regional Park
An 8" dissapearing gun barrel from Fort Gordon was excavated on the 27th March 2013.
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Palmer Head
PALMER HEADS FORTRESS AREA
- ARTICLE -
6" Coastal battery on the Hills above Strathmore,
Wellington, New Zealand.
© Darcy Waters 1999
Wellington, New Zealand.
© Darcy Waters 1999
The Palmer Heads fortress area was located on the hill top above the suburb of Strathmore in Wellington, New Zealand.
In June of 1934 the site got approval by the War Office as a location for a two gun battery using 6" Mk XXI guns. The preliminary site work was started in January of 1935. The contract for the emplacements was given to M.G. Templeton and Sons on the 23rd of March 1936.
From January of 1936 parts of the guns started arriving and were temporarily stored at Fort Dorset. In June that year the two guns themselves arrived and were stored on site. One of the guns during the haul up the hill went over the bank due to the road sinking. It took a day to get it back on the road.
The emplacements were finished on the 12th of January 1937. Minor contract work was still being done up until June. Then the site was cleared and prepared for the installation of the guns. The 1st of September saw work on installing the first gun started. Work on installation of the guns was done over four work days per week. The first gun took 16 working days and the second gun a further 12. By the 19th October the guns were complete except for their sights.
The battery manned as the 13th Heavy Battery was placed on a war footing on the 4th of September 1939. At this time the men were accommodated in tents. With the only buildings in existence being the Battery Observation Post, Command Post, Plotting rooms and a army barracks. Over the next few years more buildings were erected including more barracks, laundry and drying rooms, new Command Post (with the Command Post hill lowered), recreation room, new mess and officers quarters, reservoirs, new cook house and segments mess as well as radar stations. Also searchlights had been installed near the foreshore near the battery.
From January of 1936 parts of the guns started arriving and were temporarily stored at Fort Dorset. In June that year the two guns themselves arrived and were stored on site. One of the guns during the haul up the hill went over the bank due to the road sinking. It took a day to get it back on the road.
The emplacements were finished on the 12th of January 1937. Minor contract work was still being done up until June. Then the site was cleared and prepared for the installation of the guns. The 1st of September saw work on installing the first gun started. Work on installation of the guns was done over four work days per week. The first gun took 16 working days and the second gun a further 12. By the 19th October the guns were complete except for their sights.
The battery manned as the 13th Heavy Battery was placed on a war footing on the 4th of September 1939. At this time the men were accommodated in tents. With the only buildings in existence being the Battery Observation Post, Command Post, Plotting rooms and a army barracks. Over the next few years more buildings were erected including more barracks, laundry and drying rooms, new Command Post (with the Command Post hill lowered), recreation room, new mess and officers quarters, reservoirs, new cook house and segments mess as well as radar stations. Also searchlights had been installed near the foreshore near the battery.
In 1941 the battery had two name changes. The first was on 30th June to the 73rd Heavy Battery and then on the 31st August it was changed to the 70th Heavy Battery.
Work started on underground plotting rooms on the 7th January 1942. These became operational on the 12th July 1943. Later unfortunately due to leaks developing in the underground plotting area early in 1944 the equipment was dismantled and stored in the Fortress plotting room and the rooms stripped to allow work to be undertaken to remedy this problem. This work had not been finished by February 1947
It was decided that the guns were to have overhead covers and so work started on them on the 9th March 1942. The covers were never finished as it was decided to remove them which was done on the 30th August to enable the guns to fire landward if need be as well as seaward.
Work on an emplacement and underground magazine for a third gun was started on the 30th December 1942. Its pedestal was mounted on the 9th September 1943. This gun was installed by the 12th September 1943 except for the bracket connecting the gun to the cradle hadn't arrived. This bracket arrived and was fitted in November 1946. This gun was proofed on the 13th August 1947.
Work started on underground plotting rooms on the 7th January 1942. These became operational on the 12th July 1943. Later unfortunately due to leaks developing in the underground plotting area early in 1944 the equipment was dismantled and stored in the Fortress plotting room and the rooms stripped to allow work to be undertaken to remedy this problem. This work had not been finished by February 1947
It was decided that the guns were to have overhead covers and so work started on them on the 9th March 1942. The covers were never finished as it was decided to remove them which was done on the 30th August to enable the guns to fire landward if need be as well as seaward.
Work on an emplacement and underground magazine for a third gun was started on the 30th December 1942. Its pedestal was mounted on the 9th September 1943. This gun was installed by the 12th September 1943 except for the bracket connecting the gun to the cradle hadn't arrived. This bracket arrived and was fitted in November 1946. This gun was proofed on the 13th August 1947.
On the 27th March 1944 the battery was put into Care and Maintenance. One of the radar stations -C8 remained operational in a early warning capacity. Due to the surrender of Japan as at 0800hrs on the 6th September 1945 the 10Th Coast Regiment ceased to be operational. All of the regiment's still active units were put into care and maintenance. Search lights 15 and 16 along with the No.2 engine room were dismantled and sent to the Gracefield Stores on the 11th October 1945 while the remaining two searchlights and No.1 engine room were put into care and maintenance. Radar station C8 was put into care and maintenance at 0600hrs on the 31st October 1945. All ammunition except 30 minutes worth and three years practice worth was sent across to the Belmont Magazine area.
A No.10 wireless set was installed for F.C. Communications in early March 1947. This provided a communications link with the fortress at the top of Wrights Hill above the suburb of Karori. This link was in fact a microwave link. Microwave communications had been developed as a spin-off from the development of radar.
A No.10 wireless set was installed for F.C. Communications in early March 1947. This provided a communications link with the fortress at the top of Wrights Hill above the suburb of Karori. This link was in fact a microwave link. Microwave communications had been developed as a spin-off from the development of radar.
1952 saw the officers mess being shifted down to Fort Dorset in the nearby suburb of Seatoun In 1957 the Government deemed that the coastal defences built during World War 2 were no longer needed and so In the 1960's all the coastal batteries were stripped and some demolished.
The guns were scrapped early in the 1960's along with the guns from Fort Dorset and the battery on Wrights Hill. This was done by an Australian contractor who then sold the scrap metal to the Japanese - The people that the guns were installed to defend us from!
The abandoned gun pits were dangerous and so were either filled in or blown up in the late 1960's.
The guns were scrapped early in the 1960's along with the guns from Fort Dorset and the battery on Wrights Hill. This was done by an Australian contractor who then sold the scrap metal to the Japanese - The people that the guns were installed to defend us from!
The abandoned gun pits were dangerous and so were either filled in or blown up in the late 1960's.
The only remains of the structures that formed the Palmer heads battery are the underground plotting rooms which are closed off for safety reasons (I have been able to obtain access into them and photograph inside them), part of the parade ground, The concrete shell of the radar station above Moa Point and part of the original sealed access road. I have been told that the underground magazine for the third gun still remains although I have been unable to find any sign of it (Although I may try again). The ridge line is Airways Corporation land and has beacons and other stuff relating to aircraft navigation and the airport. The nearby Palmer Heads subdivision is creeping toward the battery site and has already been built over part of the original access road that runs up from the coast below.
Bibliography
Bibliography
* Palmer Heads Fort Record Book
AD 88 item ref 3
National Archives, Wellington.
AD 88 item ref 3
National Archives, Wellington.
* Palmer head layout of Guns, services etc. plan
AD 66 Folder 7
National Archives, Wellington.
AD 66 Folder 7
National Archives, Wellington.
* Official War History of the Public Works Dept
F.G. Grattan.
F.G. Grattan.
* Site visits 30/7/1995, 19/10/1998, 23/11/1998
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