Middle Head Fortifications facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Head Fortifications |
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Gun emplacements
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| Location | Middle Head Road, Middle Head, Mosman, Mosman Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1801–1942 |
| Architect | James Barnet |
| Owner | NSW Office of Environment and Heritage |
| Official name: Chowder Bay Barracks Group, Chowder Bay Rd, Georges Heights, NSW, Australia | |
| Type | Listed place |
| Designated | 22 June 2004 |
| Reference no. | 105254 |
| Class | Historic |
| Place File No | 1/13/026/0008 |
| Official name: Middle Head Military Fortifications; Middle Head Fortifications; The Old Fort | |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 999 |
| Type | Fortification |
| Category | Defence |
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The Middle Head Fortifications are old military buildings and defense structures. They are located at Middle Head in Mosman, New South Wales, Australia. People also call them the Middle Head Military Fortifications or The Old Fort.
These fortifications were a key part of Sydney Harbour's defenses. They helped protect the city from enemy ships. Today, this historic site is a public space. It is looked after by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
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Protecting Sydney: A Look at the Forts
The very first fort at Middle Head was built in 1801. The last defense structures were added in 1942. Most of the fortifications you see today were built between 1870 and 1911.
This site shows how defense technology changed over time. It was one of the first places where Sydney's defense moved away from the city center. Instead, defenses were built closer to the harbour entrance.
Early Defenses and Upgrades
In the 1870s, three main forts were built in Mosman and Middle Head. These included the Lower Georges Heights Commanding Position and the Georges Head Battery. A smaller fort was also built at Bradleys Head.
British experts later suggested upgrades to these forts in the 1880s. All these fortifications still exist and are now protected as heritage sites.
Design and Purpose of the Fortifications
The main battery at Middle Head was built in 1871. It was designed by James Barnet, a famous colonial architect. The fort was placed in a very important spot. It had many additions until 1911.
These forts were part of a larger network of "outer harbour" defenses. Their job was to fire at enemy ships trying to enter Sydney Heads. The whole area has a huge network of underground tunnels. There are also extra rooms, a gunpowder magazine (where gunpowder was stored), and a special disappearing gun emplacement.
The site even has its own underground power room. This room is supported by strong iron columns. Some underground rooms were used to train soldiers. They learned important skills for tough situations, like how to stay strong if they were captured.
From Military Base to Public Park
In 1974, the Middle Head fortifications were featured in a movie called Stone.
By 1979, most of the area became a national park. The military had moved to other important locations. The army base, which included transport and training groups, left Georges Heights in 1997. The main training headquarters moved to Victoria Barracks in 2002.
The Officers Quarters: A Historic Home
The Officers Quarters is a beautiful building in the Victorian Regency style. It sits on a strong stone base. This building was also designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet. It is considered one of the most important buildings at Middle Head.
The building has a defensive ditch, like a moat, and a strong fortification wall. From the house, you can see Middle Harbour. This meant it could also be used to watch for any activity on the water.
Famous Residents and Wartime Use
One famous person who lived here was Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges KCB, CMG. He was the first commander of the First Australian Imperial Force. He also led Australian forces during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. Sadly, Throsby Bridges was killed by a sniper while leading his troops at Gallipoli. His warhorse, Sandy, was brought back to Australia.
This building was mainly used as a home for two officers. During World War II, it became a Red Cross Hospital. Later, it provided housing for women serving in the Australian Army. The house is still used as a residence today.
Restoring the Forts for Everyone
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has done a lot of work to restore these old buildings. This has brought many of the historic structures back to life.
The site now includes many interesting facilities:
- Former military hospital buildings
- Former Officers' mess (dining hall)
- Old barracks, now used as a school
- Former transport depots, later used for army intelligence training
- A wharf and jetty
- Training facilities
- The original fortification systems
- Depots, barracks, and mess halls
- Residential buildings
- Sports ovals
Heritage Status
The Middle Head Military Fortifications were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. In 2004, the Chowder Bay Barracks Group, which includes the Georges Head Battery, was also listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List. This means these sites are protected for their historical importance.
Gallery
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RML gun being removed in 1891
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Inside the underground fortress tunnel network
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An underground power room supported by iron columns that was used to train some of Australia's first troops that were sent to Vietnam in 'Code of Conduct' courses with tigers cages pictured on the left and gun emplacements
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RML 10 inch gun being dismantled at the fortification in 1893 and the remains of a former depression range finding station
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A side view of the officers quarters with fortified wall in view
Images for kids
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Gunners Barracks, Middle Head, Sydney
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Gunners Barracks, tactically situated into the hillside so as not to be visible from the water. The barracks buildings were constructed from sandstone excavated onsite.
