Signal Hill Battery facts for kids
The Signal Hill Battery is an old fort built in 1892-1893. You can find it in Watsons Bay, Sydney, right next to the Signal Hill Lighthouse. It was an important part of Sydney's coastal defence system.
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Protecting Sydney's Coast
The Signal Hill Battery was one of three main forts built to protect Sydney. The other two were the Ben Buckler Gun Battery at Bondi and the Shark Point Battery in Clovelly. These forts were designed to stop enemy ships from attacking Sydney from the sea.
The Powerful Disappearing Gun
Each of these forts had a very special weapon: a large 9.2-inch (234 mm) 'disappearing gun'. This type of gun could pop up to fire and then drop back down behind a wall. This made it hard for enemies to see or hit. The gun at Signal Hill Battery had the serial number 7318. Its barrel is still around today and you can see it at North Fort, North Head.
These forts were the last line of defence for Sydney. They were built in the 1890s as technology changed and new threats appeared.
Inside the Battery
The big 9.2-inch gun was last fired in 1933. In 1937, it was replaced by two smaller 6-inch (152 mm) guns. These new guns were removed after World War II.
The Signal Hill Battery also has a secret underground area. This complex runs beneath Old South Head Road. It has many rooms and tunnels, including a mess room for soldiers and places to store gunpowder. The entrance to this underground area from the street is now sealed off.
A Place of History
In November 1992, a memorial was placed at the battery by the Royal Australian Signal Corps Association. Two plaques were also added in March 1993. These help people understand the history of this important site.
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