Breakwater Battery facts for kids
The Breakwater Battery was an important coastal defence site located in Port Kembla, New South Wales, Australia. It played a key role in protecting the area during World War II.
What Was the Breakwater Battery?
The Breakwater Battery was a military site built to defend the coast. It was designed to protect Port Kembla from attacks by enemy ships and submarines. Port Kembla was a vital industrial area, so keeping it safe was very important during wartime.
Why Was It Built?
Construction of the battery began in 1939, just as World War II was starting. Its main purpose was to guard Port Kembla, especially its busy harbour, from any threats coming from the sea.
How Was It Built and Used?
The battery had two main gun positions. These positions held large 6-inch guns, known as Mk XI naval guns. There were also underground rooms and tunnels connected to these gun emplacements. These hidden areas helped store ammunition and provided shelter for the soldiers.
The Breakwater Battery, along with its observation post (which is now a military museum), was a very important part of the main defence system for the area. This defence system was known as Fortress Kembla during World War II. It helped keep the entire region safe from enemy attacks.
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