Fort Banks (Australia) facts for kids
Fort Banks (also known as Eastern Command Fixed Defences) is an old bunker and fortification complex from World War II. It was built to protect the entrance to Botany Bay in New South Wales, Australia. You can find it north of Cape Banks in La Perouse.
History of Fort Banks
Before and during World War II, the Australian Defence Forces built the Cape Banks Battery. This was part of the Sydney Coastal Defences. It was located on land that belonged to the New South Wales Golf Club.
The main purpose of Fort Banks was to stop enemy ships from entering Botany Bay. It had two large 9.2 inch guns. These guns were breech-loading, meaning they were loaded from the back.
Underground, there was a plotting room to aim the guns. There was also a magazine to store gunpowder and shells. A hydraulic pump room helped operate the equipment. Short tunnels connected these different underground sections.
During World War II, the Henry Head Battery was also used again. This battery was built much earlier. It helped protect against enemy landing parties at La Perouse. It also guarded against torpedo boat attacks on Port Botany. When first built, Henry Head Battery had two 6 inch guns. These were removed by 1910. However, by World War II, it was armed with two 18-pounder field guns. These guns were placed on pedestals in new concrete spots.
Images for kids
-
A gun emplacement at Fort Banks, partly covered by earth.
-
Inside one of the machinery or pump rooms at Fort Banks.
