Townsville Fixed Defences Heavy Artillery during WWII

HQS TOWNSVILLE FIXED DEFENCES HEAVY ARTILLERY
LATER HQS COAST ARTILLERY TOWNSVILLE
THEN HQS TOWNSVILLE COAST ARTILLERY
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

A small Headquarters element was formed within Fort Kissing Point on The Strand in Townsville in early 1941. It became Headquarters Townsville Fixed Defences Heavy Artillery in July 1941 to control the Kissing Battery which at that time was the only coastal defence site in the Townsville area. It comprised two QF 4.7" Mk IV guns. Kissing Battery's initial role was to cover the port and Platypus Channel. It was the initial Examination Battery for the Port of Townsville.

Lieutenant Robert William Lonie (QX35064) of Townsville Fixed Defences Heavy Artillery ordered No. 1 Gun at Kissing Battery to fire a plug round across the bows of S.S. Goondi at 0820 hours on 1 March 1942 to prevent the vessel entering the Townsville Harbour without Examination. The vessel was ordered to stop and did not do so, thus necessitating the above action. S.S. Goondi hoved to instantly and was eventually cleared by the Examination Vessel.

A message was received from C.D.H. on 1 March 1942 stating that all aircraft not using the correct Lane of Approach to Garbutt Airfield were to be fired at. Work on A.A. shelters above the guns continued. Camouflage work in the Kissing Point fort area was ongoing.

Work commenced to place earth on top of the Kissing Point gun shelters on 2 March 1942. This was finished on 3 March when the earth was topped with grass.

Camouflage work was continuing on 4 March 1942. An object floating out to sea during the day was reported to the Navy who sent out the Examination Vessel to investigate. Due to the heavy seas they were unable to locate the object.

Further slit trenches were completed on 5 March 1942 and camouflage work continued.

At 1540 hours on 6 March 1942, 16 H.A.A. Battery at Pallarenda fired four shots at a Lockheed Hudson approaching Garbutt Airfield from a restricted area. Again, at 1545 hours, the A.A. Battery fired four shots at another Lockheed Hudson. Both R.A.A.F. aircraft eventually landed. All necessary action was taken at the Kissing Point Battery in case a hostile attacked had developed.

Camouflage and slit trench work continued on 7 March 1942. At 1704 hours, an Empire Flying Boat passed over Pallarenda Point well off course and was fired on by the 16 H.A.A. Battery at 1705 hours. Lieutenant Robert Hardy Dakers (QX48794) fired one plug at 1948 hours from No. 1 Gun at Kissing Battery across the bow of S.S. Wandana which crossed the Dead Line and was entering the Townsville Harbour without the specified signal. The vessel hove to and was eventually cleared by the Examination Vessel.

At 0835 hours on 8 March 1942, 16 H.A.A. Battery at Pallarenda fired at a USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress which approached from the wrong direction. The B-17 flew out to sea and eventually returned and landed at Garbutt Airfield using the correct Lane of Entry. A considerable number of USAAF P-40 Warhawks arrived in Townsville on 8 March 1942.

Camouflage work was continuing at Fort Kissing Point on 10 March 1942 and some slit trenches were extended. A practice alarm that night was very successful. There was a considerable movement of USAAF aircraft that night. During the night several dredges were anchored in front of the Kissing Battery obscuring the line of fire to a certain extent.

On 11 March 1942, slit trench and camouflage work continued at the Fort. At 2200 hours, S.S. Kintore was cleared by the Examination Vessel and proceeded to the Townsville Harbour flying the wrong signal light. It was showing W.R.R.W. instead of R.W.W.R.. The Examination Vessel admitted the error but declared the ship cleared and the Kissing Battery allowed the ship to proceed.

On 12 March 1942, two plug rounds were fired across the bows of vessels failing to observe the Regulations of the Port. The first was "Marlin" at 0540 hours. This ship crossed the Dead Line and attempted to enter the Townsville Port during the Port Closed period, ignoring all signals. Lieutenant Robert William Lonie (QX35064) was the Battery Commander. The second ship was "Britha" at 0850 hours. This ship crossed the Dead Line and attempted to enter the Port without examination ignoring all signals to stop. Captain Scott was the Battery Commander. Camouflage work in the area continued and further improvements to the gun shelters were carried out by the Main Roads Commission who also started work on the erection of a new concrete C.P. tower which was badly needed.

On 14 March 1942, a successful practice alarm was carried during the night. 16 H.A.A. Battery fired two rounds during the day against two aircraft disobeying the regulations.

A.A. posts in the Kissing Point Fort area were improved on 15 March 1942. Signal back equipment and phones were partially installed in gun pits and O/P Work continued on a new B.O.P. At 1630 hours, 16 H.A.A. Battery fired two rounds at a B-17 Flying Fortress flying in a prohibited area.

On 16 March 1942 camouflage work continued and slit trenches were improved. The War Diary for 16 March 1942 reported "Radio announced that Thursday Island bombed during day" which is inconsistent with other reports that Thursday Island was never bombed during WWII supposedly because a Japanese Princess was buried in the Thursday Island Cemetery.

Battery Routine Orders issued by Captain William Lewis Scott R.A.A. (QX47011), Officer Commanding Townsville Fixed Defences Heavy Artillery on 16 March 1942, advised that Unit censorship was imposed from 0001 hours on 17 March 1942.

Work on camouflage netting and slit trenches continued on 18 March 1942. At approximately 1730 hours 16 H.A.A. Battery fired 18 rounds. An Air Alarm was sounded and Air Raid Precautions were adopted in he area. The aircraft fired on proved to be friendly aircraft and the "All Clear" was sounded about 20 minutes later.

An unidentified Aircraft was spotted over Garbutt Airfield at 1200 hrs. on 22 March 1942 at a great height. The War Diary for "Townsville Fixed Defences Heavy Artillery" reported that it may have been Wirraway.

Camouflage work and the improvement of slit trenches continued on 23 March 1942. The B.O.P. was completed. At 0724 hours, Lieutenant Robert William Lonie (QX35064) fired one plugged round across the bows of S.S. Aldinga which had attempted to enter the Port unexamined. It was at a range of 7,825 yards on a bearing of 54 degrees. Successful experiments were carried out that night to produce flash producers for use at dummy gun positions.

A successful practice alarm was carried out on the night of 24 March 1942. The G.O/C Northern Command visited the Fort at approximately 1700 hours and inspected the works which met with General James Murdoch Archer Durrant's apparent approval.

Camouflage work on 25 March 1942 was held up due to a shortage of materials. Slit trenches were improved by the provision of head covers.

Work on camouflage and slit trenches continued on 27 March 1942 and the roof of the new B.O.P. was turfed.

On 30 March 1942 an unconfirmed report of an unknown aircraft heading for Townsville was received.

Camouflage work continued on 31 March 1942. Gun floor shelters were removed from their old position and were in the process of erection on the Manning Parade Ground. Slit trenches were extended. An Air Alert was given during the morning but was not confirmed. 25 recruits marched in.

An unconfirmed Air Alert was raised during the morning of 2 April 1942. Work continued on camouflage work and gun floor shelters.

An Air Alert was raised at approximately 1200 hours on 5 April 1942 on the approach of two unidentified aircraft. They eventually proved to be USAAF aircraft and the "All Clear" was sounded 10 minutes later. The new Area Commandant Brigadier Porter D.S.O., A.I.F. (replacing Brigadier Frank North) visited Kissing Point at approximately 1100 hours accompanied by Staff Officers. Tentative arrangements were made for a practice shoot to be held on 24 April 1942.

On 9 April 1942, unidentified aircraft were reported over Tully but the report was unconfirmed.

On 11 April 1942, at approximately 1500 hours, the Civilian Air Raid alarm was sounded and although no message had been received by the Kissing Battery as a precautionary measure, the Unit's alarm was also sounded. The alarm eventually turned out to be a false alarm. At approximately 2030 hours a Machine Gun mounted on the Harbour Breakwater fired across the bows of the Examination Vessel when this ship attempted to enter Port with engine trouble. Its identity was made known and it eventually enter the Port.

On 13 April 1942, Camouflage work continued and slit trenches were improved. Work started on dummy gun positions on Castle Hill.

On 15 April 1942, a new engine room and emplacement were being erected for R.A.E. A message was received from 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters that the Kissing Battery was to report the approach of unidentified aircraft only.

At 0945 hours on 21 April 1942, 16 H.A.A. Battery at Pallarenda fired four shots at two aircraft apparently P-40s flying at approximately 10,000 feet in a Northerly direction.

The Annual Practice Shoot Seawards was carried out during the morning and afternoon of 24 April 1942. The Diary Entry for this event reads as follows:-

At 0345 hours on 26 April 1942, a message was received from U.S. Headquarters Melbourne of a possible air raid by carrier based aircraft in force against the East Coast of Australia by 2nd May 1942. Captain G. Williams, the Air Force Liaison Officer and two Ordinary Ranks marched in to the Unit.

An Air Alert was issued during the night of 28 April 1942 followed shortly after by the "All Clear" signal.

The Womens' Auxiliary Transport Service, Townsville Branch, invited all members of Townsville Fixed Defences to attend a Dance held in the Roof Garden Ball Room on Tuesday 28 April 1942.

The Battery supplied one Section of men to 16 A.A. Battery on 29 April 1942 to erect barbed wire fences over approximately a three week period.

On 2 May 1942, water tanks were erected in the Fort Area for storage of water. Water tank revetments were installed on 8 May 1942.

On 9 May 1942 (just after the Battle of the Coral Sea) the following messages were received from the Naval Officer in Charge NOIC:-

Blast blocks were erected in the Fort Area and a new A. A. post was sited on 12 May 1942.

An Air Alert was raised during the afternoon of 14 May 1942 followed by the "All Clear" signal.

An Air Alert was raised during the day on 15 May 1942. All Officers of the Unit resubmitted applications for the A.I.F.

On 17 May 1942, the Unit Football Team played at the Sports Ground (possibly the Sports Reserve) against the 5th Field Regiment and lost 2 to Nil. Mobile pictures were screened at the General Mess that night.

Battery Routine Orders No. 25 of 17 May 1942 advised All Ranks that a "Blue Light Depot" had been established at the side of the Thuringowa Shire Hall at the corner of Charters Towers Road (Causeway) and Flinders Street West. The Depot was open from 1900 hours to 2330 hours each night under arrangements made by 5th Australian Division.

At 1312 hours on 18 May 1942, one plug round was fired across the bows of the "Cape Leewin" which was attempting to enter Townsville Harbour. Brigadier John Wilson Crawford (NX378), the C.O. of 11th Infantry Brigade visited the unit that afternoon.

On 23 May 1942 it was reported that explosions were heard out to sea during the day but no confirmation of this report was ever received.

Battery Routine Orders No. 26 of 24 May 1942 advised that a retail Canteen at 262 Flinders Street in Townsville was open to Troops for business from 0900 hours to 2100 hours daily, commencing 18 May 1942.

On 1 June 1942, the O.C. Captain Scott left for Sydney on three weeks sick leave. Lieutenant Robert William Lonie (QX35064) took over as O.C.

A message was received from C.F.D. Brisbane on 2 June 1942 that Lieutenant Robert William Lonie (QX35064) was to return to Port Moresby and would be leaving shortly.

At 1341 hours on 6 June 1942, 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters reported that a submarine was sighted by the Navy off Arcadia, on Magnetic Island. All necessary preparations were made for instant action. At 1356 hours, 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters reported four unidentified aircraft were sighted north east of Townsville. An Air Alert was sounded. At 1710 hours, the "All Clear" was sounded and a revert to normal routine direction was given by 3 Fighter Sector Headquarters.

Lieutenant Robert William Lonie (QX35064) was promoted to T/Captain on 8 June 1942 and left for Port Moresby on a Flying Boat on 9 June 1942. Lieutenant Robert Hardy Dakers (QX48794) took over as O.C.

On 5 July 1942, at 2230 hours, C.D.H. advised that 13 enemy vessels located in the Solomon Islands were probably heading southwards and it was estimated that they could possibly reach Townsville before daybreak. All necessary precautions were taken.

Colonel Francis "Frank" Roger North (QX50080) inspected the Unit at 1000 hours on 12 July 1942. At 1938 hours a lookout sighted a Very Light in the vicinity of the Townsville Harbour. C.D.H. was informed.

On 22 July 1942, three "Air Raid Yellows" were given at 0921, 1200 and 1755 hours. Fighter aircraft took off to intercept. The "All Clear" was given about half an hour later in each case.

First Air Raid on Townsville -The War Diary entry for 27 July 1942 reads as follows:-

Second Air Raid on Townsville - The War Diary entry for 28 July 1942 reads as follows:-

Third Air Raid on Townsville - The War Diary entry for 29 July 1942 reads as follows:-

Townsville Port was closed at 1000 hours to 1600 hours on 30 July 1942. At 1100 hours a "BRING-TO-ROUND" was fired at "SODGE"; Range 6150 yards, Bearing 63º. At 1114 hours another "BRING-TO-ROUND" was fired at "MALITA"; Range 5650 yards. Bearing 64º. A second round was fired at "MALITA" at 1117 hours as it had failed to stop after the first round was fired. "MALITA" was owned by Bob Hayles and was used as a ferry to Magnetic Island during WWII.

At 1134 hours on 31 July 1942 a "BRING-TO-ROUND" was fired in front of "SOLAR" as the Townsville Port was closed at that time and "SOLAR" had ignored signals issued as part of the Examination procedures.

Through July 1942 there were mainly 1 S/Sgt and 13 gunners attached to Townsville Fixed Defence Heavy Artillery from 16 H.A.A. Battery. There may have been similar numbers in previous months, remembering that a new A. A. post was sited at Fort Kissing Point on 12 May 1942.

In August 1942, the first of the Letter Batteries, "A" Heavy Battery, was formed in Townsville and started to install two 155mm US mobile guns at Signal Hill which became Magazine Battery which overlooked the Port and the Platypus Channel.

By October 1942, "B" Heavy Battery was formed and started to construct a similar site behind Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island which became known as the Magnetic Battery. It covered the approaches to Townsville Port and then took over the role as the Examination Battery. Magazine Battery and Magnetic Battery were manned over the next two years by a number of units including:-

In April 1943, the Fixed Defences and A.A. Defences in the Townsville area came under the command of Headquarters Townsville Fortress.

In July 1943, Headquarters Townsville Fixed Defences became Headquarters Coast Artillery Townsville.

In August 1942 Kissing Battery moved to Cape Pallarenda to gain better control of the West Channel before being renamed Pallarenda Battery in November 1943.

No. 2 Fire Command trained in Townsville while it was waiting for a role between December 1943 and October 1944. 2 Fire Command shared fire command duties with Headquarters Coast Artillery Townsville.

Magazine Battery on Signal Hill was unmanned between October and December 1943. "L" Heavy Battery (Coast) moved to Magazine Battery in April 1944. They did not man the Battery but undertook training for a field role.

Soldiers from the Townsville Company of 16 Volunteer Defence Corps began training at Pallarenda Battery from mid 1944. In July 1944 they became Townsville Coast Artillery (VDC) and Headquarters Coast Artillery Townsville was renamed to Headquarters Townsville Coast Artillery - a very minor change!

In September 1944, the fixed batteries were placed on a care-and-maintenance basis due to the war moving further away from Australia. Townsville Coast Artillery (VDC) continued on standby, manning one gun at Pallarenda Battery until December 1944 when they were stood down.

Headquarters Townsville Coast Artillery was disbanded in March 1945 and management of the mothballed battery sites was transferred to Headquarters Fixed Defences Queensland.

I'd like to thank Graham R. McKenzie-Smith AM for his assistance with this web page.

"The Unit Guide - The Australian Army 1939 - 1945 Volume 3 of 6" by Graham R. McKenzie-Smith AM, page 3:117

I need your help

Copyright

Disclaimer

Please e-mail me
any information or photographs

"Australia @ War"
8GB USB Memory Stick