Malabar Battery facts for kids
The Malabar Battery was a special military base built in 1943 during World War II in Sydney, Australia. It was located at Malabar Headland and was also called the Boora Point Battery.
Its main job was to protect Sydney's coast from enemy ships. It worked together with other nearby defense bases like Henry Battery, Banks Battery, and Bare Island Fort.
Contents
Powerful Guns and Underground Tunnels
The Malabar Battery had two powerful 6-inch guns. These guns were placed in special protected areas called gun emplacements.
Underneath the ground, there was a large bunker system. This underground area had rooms for the gun crews to get ready. It also stored ammunition and had an engine room.
The Unique Tramway System
A special narrow-gauge tramway was built into the sandstone. This tramway was very important for moving heavy ammunition. It was a single track, about 560mm (22 inches) wide.
The tramway carried large 6-inch shells to the gun emplacements. It ran through a deep trench lined with sandstone. This trench led from where ammunition was dropped off to the underground storage rooms.
Before reaching the guns, the tram line went into a concrete tunnel. This tunnel was about 94 meters (310 feet) long.
Observation Post and Other Buildings
A tall observation post was also part of the battery. This four-story building helped soldiers watch the sea for enemy ships.
Other buildings included blockhouses for searchlights, both in the north and south. These had their own engine rooms. There were also barracks for the soldiers to live in and toilet blocks.
After the War
After World War II ended, the Malabar Battery was no longer needed. The guns were removed, and the site was decommissioned. Over time, the battery fell into disrepair.
Gallery
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A tram line leading into the battery.
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Barracks located alongside the tram line and adjacent to the four story observation post.
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The battery's southernmost gun emplacement.
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Inside the observation post.
Images for kids
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Four story observation post that forms part of the Malabar Battery and bunker complex.
