Fort Scratchley

Infobox Military Structure
name=Fort Scratchley
partof=
location=Newcastle, New South Wales
coordinates=


caption=


caption2=
type=Coastal defence installation
code=
built=1882
builder=
materials=
height=
used=1882–1972
demolished=
condition=
ownership=
open_to_public=Currently closed for redevelopment as a public museum
controlledby=Australia
garrison=
current_commander=
commanders=
occupants=
battles=Japanese bombardment in June 1942
events=

Fort Scratchley was a coastal defence installation at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Background Information

Fort Scratchley is between the Tasman Sea and the Hunter River, a short distance from the city center of Newcastle on Nobby’s Road. It is directly between Newcastle Beach and Nobby’s Beach, and across the park from the Queen’s Wharf. Originally built as a Coast Defense Fort, it is located in a command position guarding the Hunter River Estuary. The site went through extensive renovation at the turn of the 20th century, which has affected the way it looks and shows how military technology changed during that period.

In 2004 the site was closed for renovation which the city hoped would make the fort a major tourist attraction. Unfortunately, as costs rose due to vandalism and an increase in necessary decontamination to the site, the progress stalled. The Australian Government is funding the project after reaching an agreement with the Newcastle City Council in 2004, and decided to increase their funding from an estimated $5.5 million to almost $10 million after reaching a second agreement in 2007 . The government wants to ensure that the site is repaired correctly as they see it as a special place in Australia’s military history. The excepted completion date is sometime in late 2008.

History

Founding

Fort Scratchley is situated atop flagstaff hill . It also holds the location where coal was discovered in the late 1700s . Lieutenant John Shortland had come upon the land looking for rogue criminals, but his pursuits were unsuccessful and instead he found fragments of coal at the base of the hill . Flagstaff hill continued to be the home of coal exportation throughout the early 19th century, until the army claimed the land in 1843 . Plans for a complete fort were not made until after 1870, when alarm of an attack by Russian began spreading throughout Newcastle due to the increased hostility between England and Russia . The fort was finally finished in 1882 but no longer were the Russians the threat, as the Japanese became the new enemy.

Beginnings

A battery of two 32 pounder SB cannons were placed upon Allans Hill in 1866, then two 68 pounders replaced the 32 pounders in 1874. On 1 April 1878, preparations began for the installation of a battery of four 80 pdr cannons upon Allans Hill and on 19 April it was completed.

Design

Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Scratchley, designed the fort. The fort was completed on 2 April 1882. The fort was named after Lt Col Scratchley.

Early Fort

The fort consisted of three 9-in Rifle Muzzel Loader (RML) guns and a casemated battery of four 80 pdr cannons.In 1889 four 8-in BL disappearing gun were installed at Fort Scratchley.

The 80 pdr cannons were replaced with quickfiring Nordenfelt machine guns in 1898. Two 6-in BL Mark VII guns replaced the four disappearing guns in 1911.

World War I

During World War I, the fort was upgraded with the provision of a Battery Observation Post constructed in 1914.

World War II

During World War II, the fort was further upgraded with the extension of the Battery Observation Post and provision of Searchlight Directing Station and blast walls were constructed in 1942.

The two 6-in BL Mark VII fired at Japanese submarine I-21, which shelled the city, on 8 June 1942.

Post World War II

Home to 13 Medium Coast Battery RAA, unit of the National Service Scheme. Renamed 113 Coast Battery RAA in the 1960s.

The 6-in BL Mark VII guns were relocated to King Edwards Park as a memorial, however after extensive lobbying they were returned to Fort Scratchley in 1978. The army left the site on November 1972.

The site is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and will reopen as a museum.

Cannon Disposals

Two 68 pounder cannons are now located at Stroud, New South Wales. A 8-in disappearing gun was sent to North Head Artillery School for training purposes. A Signal cannon was relocated to Georges Heights, Sydney, which then was relocated to Puckapunyal, Army Barracks in Victoria.

References

* [http://fortscratchley.org/ Fort Strachley Website]
* [http://www.fortscratchley.org.au/index_2.htm Fort Scratchley Historical Society Website]
* [http://www.ozatwar.com/ozatwar/fortscratchley.htm OZatWar Website]
* [http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/ozatwar/fortscratchley.htm]