Gunners cleaning the bore of the 9.2-inch Coastal Gun at North Fort (North Head, Manly)

Pictured: Gunners of the Royal Australian Artillery cleaning a 9.2 inch gun at North Fort, North Head in Manly.

Background: Established in 1936, North Fort is a remnant military complex at North Head Sanctuary in Manly. Strategically placed at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, the now-demilitarised fort formed part of a defence system that spanned 300km of coastline during World War II. Until 1952, the North Fort Battery featured two 9.2 inch calibre guns. Serviced by a network of underground tunnels, each was capable of firing a distance of 26.4km. Target coordinates were relayed to these heavy weapons from an underground Plotting Room. The Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) began filling key wartime positions at North Head after being authorised by the government, in August 1941, to “release men from certain military duties for employment in fighting units”.

Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial

Image Accession Number: 063461