The North Head observation post in Manly, used during the Second World War as a lookout for enemy shipping, has been completely refurbished by the Harbour Trust and volunteers. The post was abandoned, empty, and crumbling with concrete cancer before the restoration. It has been returned to its former glory at no cost, apart from the remedial concrete treatment, and will open to the public later this year. The post was an essential component of Australia’s military installations during a time of concern about Sydney’s vulnerability to potential naval attacks.
The North Fort Battery, of which the observation post was a part, consisted of two 9.2-inch guns interlinked via a tunnel system, secret integrated plotting rooms, and two observation posts. The Battery Observation Post was equipped with an optical depression finder that could produce target bearing, range, and speed data sent to the plotting room by underground cables to protect them from shelling. Volunteers, including retired artillery officer Peter Lawrence, used wartime photos to recreate the interior of the building after it had been decommissioned. The volunteers worked diligently to restore the inside of the building while preserving its historical significance and layout.
The brief from the Harbour Trust to the volunteers was to restore the interior of the observation post without causing damage to its historical aspects. They used scale measurements from the wartime photos to recreate the layout of the building and its furniture accurately. The range-finding equipment was originally on a semicircular table, but the volunteers had to create a smaller version themselves since the original was too large to fit into the bunker. The project relied heavily on the skills and dedication of volunteers like Lawrence to accurately restore the post to its former state.
Observation posts such as the one at North Head were crucial for monitoring enemy activity and protecting against potential attacks during the Second World War. The strategic location of the North Fort Battery with its interconnected guns and advanced technology allowed for effective surveillance of enemy shipping in the area. The refurbishment of the observation post and the Battery itself preserves an important part of Australia’s wartime history and provides a glimpse into the measures taken to defend against potential threats.
The Harbour Trust’s collaboration with volunteers to refurbish the North Head observation post demonstrates a commitment to preserving and showcasing Australia’s military history. The restoration project not only brings new life to a previously abandoned and decaying structure but also allows the public to learn about and appreciate the role of observation posts during wartime. The attention to detail and historical accuracy in the refurbishment process ensure that the significance of the North Fort Battery and its observation post is preserved for future generations to understand and explore.
Overall, the refurbishment of the Second World War observation post at North Head in Manly serves as a testament to the dedication and expertise of volunteers who worked tirelessly to restore the historical site. Through their efforts, the post has been transformed from a neglected and deteriorating structure to a fully restored piece of Australia’s wartime heritage. The project not only highlights the importance of observation posts during times of conflict but also showcases the collaborative effort between the Harbour Trust and volunteers to protect and celebrate the country’s military history. This restoration project will allow visitors to experience a piece of Australia’s past and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made to defend the country during wartime.
