A Notional Port Darwin Heritage Cruise
Cullen Bay
The back of Cullen Bay Marina where once market gardens flourished - see image below.
Kahlin Compound
The Kahlin Compound was established during Sir Baldwin Spenser's tenure as Protector of Aborigines which began in 1912. There were three Aboriginal groups in residence in the Darwin area, the 'Worgait, Bierly and Larakia' who occupied four camps Top Camp, Lamaru Beach Camp, Two-fellow Creek Camp & Lighhouse Camp. One of Spenser's earliest tasks was to relocate the Larrakia and Wagait groups from the Esplanade & Lamaroo Beach in the centre of town to a purpose built 'Aboriginal' compound overlooking Kahlin Beach. The huts of the compound can be seen on the ridge above the gardens in the image below. Kahlin may be a corruption of Kaolin the mineral clay.
SLSA PRG-280-1-11-75 The original garden at Kalin (sic) Beach 1914. At the back of Cullen Bay marina estate - Kahlin Compound on the ridge above.
Cullen Bay - between Myilly Point to the West and Emery Point to the East
- The name Cullen Beach first appears on plans in 1913; the origin of the name is unclear as both Cullen Beach & Kahlin Beach appeared on maps.
- Cullen is possibly a corruption of 'Kahlin' as the name appears on plans in the Gilruth period when the Kahlin (aboriginal) compound was built.
- Another possibility is that the beach was named after the senior partner in the firm of solicitors, Cullen and Wigley, who were based in Pine Creek during the Mining period of the 1870s. Cullen River and Mt Wigley in the Pine Creek area were named during the early 1870s. Source NT Place Names Register
Cullen Bay Estate & Marina
Cullen Bay estate & marina opened in 1993 & the name came into use for the bay between Myilly and Emery Points. (NT Place Names Register).
Cullen Bay Marina Under Construction - Richard Crookes Images
Myilly Point - Dead Horse Point
Myilly point is believed to have been named by Gilruth in 1913 after the Larrakia word for "stones" - Myilli. (Northern Standard 3 Nov 1950 - letter from Bill Harney). Myilly Point first appears on a Survey Plan in 1914 (2) whilst Data Plan 218 (1916) shows the subdivision of 3 lots and (in pencil) an area provisionally set aside for Defence Reserve. ((2) Data Plan 215; CC Boulter, 1914 - Dept. of Lands, Housing & Local Govt.) Myilly Point was first subdivided into house lots in about 1915, with the lots set aside for government housing. Some of the houses were designed by B Burnett. - examples of his house designs have been saved within the Heritage Precinct around the National Trust office.
The 'Northern Standard' of 15 May 1936 reports "the erection of additional residence at Myilly Point - for the Sub-Collector of Customs Department - it fills up part of the area formally known as Dead Horse Point, a name well earned by the practice of the town in dumping dead animals over the cliff at that point prior to motor vehicles replacing the horse drawn vehicles of the time."
The lot at the end of the point is recorded (on plans) as "Flagstaff House" and set aside for defence purposes in the 1940's. After Cyclone Tracey this land came under the control of the Darwin Reconstruction Authority. It then became Vacant Crown Land. The Government acquired most of the lots on Myilly Point in June 1987 for the proposed development of a Hotel / Casino complex on the site.
With the development of the Cullen Bay Estate, the cliff edge fronting the development has been cut away to provided access to the lock and associated businesses. Source NT Place Names Register http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/placenames/
The 'Northern Standard' of 15 May 1936 reports "the erection of additional residence at Myilly Point - for the Sub-Collector of Customs Department - it fills up part of the area formally known as Dead Horse Point, a name well earned by the practice of the town in dumping dead animals over the cliff at that point prior to motor vehicles replacing the horse drawn vehicles of the time."
The lot at the end of the point is recorded (on plans) as "Flagstaff House" and set aside for defence purposes in the 1940's. After Cyclone Tracey this land came under the control of the Darwin Reconstruction Authority. It then became Vacant Crown Land. The Government acquired most of the lots on Myilly Point in June 1987 for the proposed development of a Hotel / Casino complex on the site.
With the development of the Cullen Bay Estate, the cliff edge fronting the development has been cut away to provided access to the lock and associated businesses. Source NT Place Names Register http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/placenames/
Burnett houses in the Myilly Point Heritage Precinct. On left is Burnett House and centre is Audit House.
Frances Bay & Fannie Bay
Fannie Carandini natlibNZ 1868
Cullen Bay empties into the wider Fannie Bay, named after Fanny Carandini, a popular opera singer of the time, by members of Goyder's expedition who surveyed the present day City of Darwin in 1869.
Fanny Carandini was the daughter of an exiled Italian Count, Count Gerome Carandini, tenth Marquise of Saranzo, who came to Hobart, Tasmania, in the 1840s and married Mary Burgess who became a noted opera signer. Madame Carandini & her daughters Fanny, Rosina & Lizzie formed a singing group, travelling widely in Australia and overseas.
In 1868 the Carandinis held concerts in Adelaide, a month before the South Australian Surveyor-General, George Goyder and his party set out in the 'Moonta' to found Palmerston (the present day Darwin). One of the concerts was a benefit night for 'Fannie' Carandini and some of Goyder's surveyors would almost certainly have been there.
On the early maps of Darwin the spelling 'Fannie' was used. One explanation for the confusion could be that the Carandinis changed the spelling of their names for promotional purposes. Although Fanny Carandini's death certificate reads 'Fanny', in newspaper reports and advertisements in her singing days the spelling 'Fannie' is used. Her mother appears to have done the same, changing her name from 'Mary' to 'Marie'. Goyder's surveyors may have taken the version 'Fannie' name from a program or a poster advertising the Carandinis' concerts in Adelaide.
Fanny Carandini was the daughter of an exiled Italian Count, Count Gerome Carandini, tenth Marquise of Saranzo, who came to Hobart, Tasmania, in the 1840s and married Mary Burgess who became a noted opera signer. Madame Carandini & her daughters Fanny, Rosina & Lizzie formed a singing group, travelling widely in Australia and overseas.
In 1868 the Carandinis held concerts in Adelaide, a month before the South Australian Surveyor-General, George Goyder and his party set out in the 'Moonta' to found Palmerston (the present day Darwin). One of the concerts was a benefit night for 'Fannie' Carandini and some of Goyder's surveyors would almost certainly have been there.
On the early maps of Darwin the spelling 'Fannie' was used. One explanation for the confusion could be that the Carandinis changed the spelling of their names for promotional purposes. Although Fanny Carandini's death certificate reads 'Fanny', in newspaper reports and advertisements in her singing days the spelling 'Fannie' is used. Her mother appears to have done the same, changing her name from 'Mary' to 'Marie'. Goyder's surveyors may have taken the version 'Fannie' name from a program or a poster advertising the Carandinis' concerts in Adelaide.
Leaving Cullen Bay - on the left is Emery Point – on 9th September 1839, Lt James Emery of HMS Beagle found fresh water at the base of the cliff.
Emery Point Port Darwin
The Discovery of Port Darwin
Wickham
Wickham commanded HM Surveying Sloop Beagle on her third voyage 1837-1843 surveying the Australian coast and so into Port Darwin. Commander Wickham’s 2nd in command was Lieutenant John Lort Stokes for whom Stokes Hill & Wharf are named. He had been on all three of the Beagle’s voyages and was to succeed Wickham as her master in 1841.
The Beagle anchored in Hope Inlet at Shoal Bay on 8th Sept 1939 – Stokes & Forsyth investigated the area in a small sailing boat – they first explored the mouth of the Howard River which was not the great stream of their hopes. They then turned westward battling the wind & tide - it was the early hours of the morning when they climbed the cliffs at Nightcliff.
The Beagle anchored in Hope Inlet at Shoal Bay on 8th Sept 1939 – Stokes & Forsyth investigated the area in a small sailing boat – they first explored the mouth of the Howard River which was not the great stream of their hopes. They then turned westward battling the wind & tide - it was the early hours of the morning when they climbed the cliffs at Nightcliff.
As the sun rose on 9th September the entrance to the harbour was gradually revealed. They came ashore at East Point and whilst breakfast was cooking they scaled the cliffs and were rewarded with a view down the harbour.
To better assess the extent of the expanse of water they sailed across to the other side of the harbour and came ashore at the west point whereupon finding talc slate……imbedded in quartz they named it Talc Head.
To better assess the extent of the expanse of water they sailed across to the other side of the harbour and came ashore at the west point whereupon finding talc slate……imbedded in quartz they named it Talc Head.
 Darwin
‘The other rocks near it were of a fine-grained sandstone: a new feature in the geology of this part of the continent, which afforded us an appropriate opportunity of convincing an old shipmate and friend, that he still lived in our memory; and we accordingly named this sheet of water Port Darwin. A few small bamboos grew on this head; the other trees were chiefly white gums.’
Charles Darwin’s relentless “geologising” led to the naming of Port Darwin & in 1911 the town of Palmerston was named the City of Darwin. In recognition of the discovery of Port Darwin and the achievements of the men of the Beagle - it is proposed that the bay inside of Emery Point be named Beagle Cove. Seven tons of quartz from Talc Head would later be sent to Adelaide on the Beatrice - after which Beatrice Hill is named. |
HMS Beatrice at Adelaide 1880's
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A Visit from the Natives
Lt John Lort Stokes
The Beagle anchored at Hope Inlet in Shoal Bay on 8th Sept 1839 - 'During the time we were absent, some of our people who had been on shore, received a visit from a party of natives, who evinced the most friendly disposition.
Those people amounted in number, with their families, to twenty-seven, and came down to our party without any symptoms of hesitation. Both men and women were finer than those we had seen in Adam Bay. The tallest male measured five feet eleven, which is three inches less than a native Flinders measured in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The teeth of these people were ALL PERFECT. (i.e. none knocked out)
They had clearly never seen a white person before; for they stepped up to one man of fair complexion, who had his trousers turned up over his knees, and began rubbing his skin to see whether it was painted.
These were presumably Tiwi Islands people as One Tree Point and the peninsular up to and including the Vernon Islands is Tiwi land though this is disputed.
Those people amounted in number, with their families, to twenty-seven, and came down to our party without any symptoms of hesitation. Both men and women were finer than those we had seen in Adam Bay. The tallest male measured five feet eleven, which is three inches less than a native Flinders measured in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The teeth of these people were ALL PERFECT. (i.e. none knocked out)
They had clearly never seen a white person before; for they stepped up to one man of fair complexion, who had his trousers turned up over his knees, and began rubbing his skin to see whether it was painted.
These were presumably Tiwi Islands people as One Tree Point and the peninsular up to and including the Vernon Islands is Tiwi land though this is disputed.
Emery Point
Captain Stokes' journal entry for 12th September 1839 – “We moved the ship into Port Darwin anchoring just within the eastern cliffy head, which, to commemorate Lieutenant Emery’s success in finding water by digging we named after him”. The Aboriginal name for the point is Goondal.
HMS Beagle Sydney Harbour 1838 By Ron Scobie
HMS Beagle
- The most important ship of science in history.
- She was reportedly the first ship to sail under old London Bridge.
- The Beagle Gulf between Port Darwin & the Tiwi Islands is named for her.
- Charles Darwin was in Australian waters but never in the Top End.
- The second voyage of the Beagle carried Charles Darwin on the 5 year journey around the world which led to international renown for him and the ship.
- One of the Beagle’s officers on that famous voyage was Lieutenant John Clement Wickham, after whom Wickham Point is named. Today it is the site of the ConocoPhillips Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant which was commissioned in January 2006. Gas is sent via a 502 kilometre pipeline from the Bayu-Undan field in the Timor Sea to the plant at Wickham Point, where it is converted into Liquefied Natural Gas for sale to Tokyo Electric and Tokyo Gas in Japan. Since 2006, an average of one bulk gas carrier has been loaded per week with up to 135,000 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas.
HMS Mermaid
1831-1836 Voyage of Beagle
Charles Forsyth – Midshipman – served 1832-35 so was also a shipmate of Darwin.
Philip Gidley King Feb 1836 – remained in Australia - Midshipman King's grandfather bore the same first and middle names, but named his own son Phillip Parker King (captain of HMS Adventure) after Admiral Arthur Phillip.
Admiral PP King was Australia’s first home-grown explorer and he came close to discovering Port Darwin when he passed close bye in The Mermaid in 1819. The first Australian of international renown.
Charles Forsyth – Midshipman – served 1832-35 so was also a shipmate of Darwin.
Philip Gidley King Feb 1836 – remained in Australia - Midshipman King's grandfather bore the same first and middle names, but named his own son Phillip Parker King (captain of HMS Adventure) after Admiral Arthur Phillip.
Admiral PP King was Australia’s first home-grown explorer and he came close to discovering Port Darwin when he passed close bye in The Mermaid in 1819. The first Australian of international renown.
Collection National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
The Ship's Company of HMS Beagle was painted by Augustus Earle around 1833. It shows the Sunday bible reading in the gunroom.
The officers on board were Lt. Robert Fitzroy (Captain), John Wickham (1st Lt.), James Sulivan (2nd Lt.) Robert McCormick (surgeon), Benjamin Bynoe (assistant surgeon) George Rowlett (purser) & Midshipman King.
Alexander Burns Usborne has not yet been spotted, nor is Charles Darwin obvious. The oldest man on board was 37 (Rowlett) and the average age around 25.
Alexander was 25 as was Darwin; Fitzroy was 28. The total number on board was 74, all of whom are shown here. The Beagle was a ten gun Brig of 242 tons and 90 feet in length.
The officers on board were Lt. Robert Fitzroy (Captain), John Wickham (1st Lt.), James Sulivan (2nd Lt.) Robert McCormick (surgeon), Benjamin Bynoe (assistant surgeon) George Rowlett (purser) & Midshipman King.
Alexander Burns Usborne has not yet been spotted, nor is Charles Darwin obvious. The oldest man on board was 37 (Rowlett) and the average age around 25.
Alexander was 25 as was Darwin; Fitzroy was 28. The total number on board was 74, all of whom are shown here. The Beagle was a ten gun Brig of 242 tons and 90 feet in length.
Emery Point Light
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It is an active lighthouse – the original light was built in 1900 and replaced in May 1915 by the current tower. It was the only navigational light on the Top End coast to remain working during Cyclone Tracy. There was until recently an open air chapel at the cliff edge. These guns, thought to be off HMAS Brisbane, are in the undergrowth at the back of the Military Museum on East Point. The area could be annexed from the base & an accessway made from Cullen Bay to opened up for the benefit of locals and tourists. Alternatively the light could be relocated to the Myilly Point heritage (free) precinct and the story of the Beagle would have a home.
Beagle Cove
‘The position of this well is in a small valley at the east end of the first sandy bay within Point Emery, in the centre of which the observations were made, placing it in latitude 12 degrees 27 minutes 45 seconds, longitude 1 degree 19 minutes 40 seconds, East of Port Essington.’
The water oozed through the sides, beginning to do so at a depth of twenty-five feet.
The beach is not named on any current chart & the Australian Hydrography Office has advised that their records do not record a name. It is proposed that when the location of the well is confirmed that it be called Beagle Cove.
The water oozed through the sides, beginning to do so at a depth of twenty-five feet.
The beach is not named on any current chart & the Australian Hydrography Office has advised that their records do not record a name. It is proposed that when the location of the well is confirmed that it be called Beagle Cove.
A Second Visit by the Natives & a Shock
Paul Foelsche image
24th Sept on Pt Emery - Their voices, shrill like those of all their fellows, were heard before they were seen. With these it was particularly so, though on all occasions the speaking, and hallooing of the Aborigines can be heard at a very considerable distance. They were found, when on shore, to be of the party we had before seen in Shoal Bay, with the addition of five strange men. All appeared actuated by the same friendly disposition, a very strong indication of which was their presenting themselves without spears. Like most others on that coast, they had a piece of bamboo, eighteen inches long, run through the cartilage of the nose.
Their astonishment at the size of the wells was highly amusing; sudden exclamations of surprise and admiration burst from their lips, while the varied expressions and play of countenance, showed how strongly their feelings were at work within.
At length by stretching their spare bodies and necks to the utmost, they caught sight of the water in the bottom. The effect upon them was magical, and they stood at first as if electrified. At length their feelings gained vent, and from their lips proceeded an almost mad shout of delight. Perhaps their delight may be considered a sign how scarce is water in this part of the country. I should certainly say from the immense quantity each man drank, which was two quarts, that this was the case. When gazing on the superabundant water that flows in almost every corner of the earth, we cannot but reflect on the scantily supplied Australian, nor fail to wish him a more plentiful supply.
Their astonishment at the size of the wells was highly amusing; sudden exclamations of surprise and admiration burst from their lips, while the varied expressions and play of countenance, showed how strongly their feelings were at work within.
At length by stretching their spare bodies and necks to the utmost, they caught sight of the water in the bottom. The effect upon them was magical, and they stood at first as if electrified. At length their feelings gained vent, and from their lips proceeded an almost mad shout of delight. Perhaps their delight may be considered a sign how scarce is water in this part of the country. I should certainly say from the immense quantity each man drank, which was two quarts, that this was the case. When gazing on the superabundant water that flows in almost every corner of the earth, we cannot but reflect on the scantily supplied Australian, nor fail to wish him a more plentiful supply.
A Fright
One of the officers used a common flint and steel, in order to procure a light for his cigar; at this new mode of procuring fire all eyes were open--for doubtless they procure it only by means of friction--but when he proceeded to place the lighted cigar between his lips, and roll forth from thence a thick and perfumed cloud, fright took full possession of them, and exclaiming "irru, irru," with the arm extended, and a slight vertical motion of the hand, they darted off most unceremoniously, clambering up the face of a precipitous cliff, with extraordinary agility.
In a few days they had forgotten their fright, and had returned to renew the friendly relations this little incident had interrupted. (Images shows a standard issue flint & steel)
In a few days they had forgotten their fright, and had returned to renew the friendly relations this little incident had interrupted. (Images shows a standard issue flint & steel)
Natives on a Raft
NMA-11791- Basedow Collection 1920's
"At the turning leading from the outer to the inner harbour they came suddenly in view of a raft making across, a distance of three miles, on which were two women with several children, whilst four or five men were swimming alongside, towing it and supporting themselves by means of a log of wood across their chests. On perceiving the boat they instantly struck out for the land leaving the women on the raft. For some time the latter kept their position, waiting until the boat got quite near, when they gave utterance to a dreadful yell, and assuming at the same time a most demoniacal aspect, plunged into the water as if about to abandon the children to their fate.
Not so, however; despite the dreadful fear they appeared to entertain of the white man, maternal affection was strong within them, and risking all to save their offspring, they began to tow the raft with all their strength towards the shore. This devotion on the part of the women to their little ones, was in strong contrast with the utter want of feeling shown by the men towards both mothers and children.
Captain Wickham now, no doubt to their extreme consternation, pulled after the men, and drove them back to the raft. Some dived and tried thus to escape the boat, while others grinned ferociously, and appeared to hope, by dint of hideous grimaces--such as are only suggested even to a savage by the last stage of fear--to terrify the white men from approaching. At length, however, they were all driven back to the raft, which was then towed across the harbour for them; a measure which they only were able to approve of when they had landed, and fear had quite subsided.
Doubtless, the forbearance of our party surprised them, for from their terrified looks and manner, when swimming with all their strength from the raft, they must have apprehended a fate at least as terrible as that of being eaten. The raft itself was quite a rude affair, being formed of small bundles of wood lashed together, without any shape or form, quite different from any we had seen before." John Lort Stokes, Journal of a Voyage of Discovery Vol 2 Ch2.1 Natives on a Raft
Not so, however; despite the dreadful fear they appeared to entertain of the white man, maternal affection was strong within them, and risking all to save their offspring, they began to tow the raft with all their strength towards the shore. This devotion on the part of the women to their little ones, was in strong contrast with the utter want of feeling shown by the men towards both mothers and children.
Captain Wickham now, no doubt to their extreme consternation, pulled after the men, and drove them back to the raft. Some dived and tried thus to escape the boat, while others grinned ferociously, and appeared to hope, by dint of hideous grimaces--such as are only suggested even to a savage by the last stage of fear--to terrify the white men from approaching. At length, however, they were all driven back to the raft, which was then towed across the harbour for them; a measure which they only were able to approve of when they had landed, and fear had quite subsided.
Doubtless, the forbearance of our party surprised them, for from their terrified looks and manner, when swimming with all their strength from the raft, they must have apprehended a fate at least as terrible as that of being eaten. The raft itself was quite a rude affair, being formed of small bundles of wood lashed together, without any shape or form, quite different from any we had seen before." John Lort Stokes, Journal of a Voyage of Discovery Vol 2 Ch2.1 Natives on a Raft
Port Darwin - comments and rationale
It took a long time to discover Port Darwin partly because exploration focussed on great rivers to carry explorers to the interior and transport the imagined riches of cattle, sheep, agriculture and minerals down to the coastal city for export. The city on Port Darwin was originally called Palmerston after Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston KG GCB PC the British 'Prime Minister' of the day. Temple Terrace in modern Palmerston is also named for him. This is the fourth location of Palmerston.
In 1865 the Government Resident, Colonel Finniss of Escape Cliffs, sent six tons of this Talc Head quartz to Adelaide for gold assay aboard the surveying schooner Beatrice. Her log of the voyage to Escape Cliffs & Port Darwin can be read at the NT Library - 319015; Manuscript 60; NTC Not for loan.
The famous surgeon Sir Belgrave Ninnis served on the Beatrice during this voyage.
Finniss's opinion of Port Darwin as an alternative site for the City of Palmerston at Escape Cliffs was "...........
It took a long time to discover Port Darwin partly because exploration focussed on great rivers to carry explorers to the interior and transport the imagined riches of cattle, sheep, agriculture and minerals down to the coastal city for export. The city on Port Darwin was originally called Palmerston after Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston KG GCB PC the British 'Prime Minister' of the day. Temple Terrace in modern Palmerston is also named for him. This is the fourth location of Palmerston.
The famous surgeon Sir Belgrave Ninnis served on the Beatrice during this voyage.
Finniss's opinion of Port Darwin as an alternative site for the City of Palmerston at Escape Cliffs was "...........
It took a long time to discover Port Darwin partly because exploration focussed on great rivers to carry explorers to the interior and transport the imagined riches of cattle, sheep, agriculture and minerals down to the coastal city for export. The city on Port Darwin was originally called Palmerston after Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston KG GCB PC the British 'Prime Minister' of the day. Temple Terrace in modern Palmerston is also named for him. This is the fourth location of Palmerston.
Larrakeyah Barracks
- The principal Defence Force base in the NT since the 3rd September 1936.
- It was substantially expanded with land acquisitions on 19th May 1938.
- Construction of coastal defences at Emery Point was undertaken after it was decided in 1930 to close down the Garrison at Thursday Island. The first men from the Royal Australian Artillery arrived in 1933, followed by a detachment of Royal Australian Engineers, later to be known as the 7th Fortress Company. Five more oil tanks were commissioned at that time. A Naval Depot opened in Darwin in January 1935 with a primary mission of operating as a naval reserve facility. By 1936, four 6 inch coastal guns had been installed - two at Emery Point and two at East Point. Larrakeyah Barracks was built, but by 1937 the garrison numbered only 50. (AWM)
- The barracks area at the cliff top is a Commonwealth Heritage Precinct. Constructed in 1940, the Larrakeyah Barracks headquarters and the Sergeant's Mess are examples of the Moderne style in Darwin - and highlight the work of notable government architect B.C.G. Burnett.
Emery Point Gun Emplacements
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HMAS Brisbane was laid down at the Cockatoo Dockyard Sydney in 1916. She was the last of the Sydney (Chatham) Class of light cruisers to be paid off and broken up in 1936 which coincided with the expansion of Darwin’s coastal defences.
It is reliable reported that two of the Brisbane’s six 6-inch, Mark XI guns were installed at Emery Point with two each at East Point batteries and at the Wagait battery on Cox Peninsula. The East Point battery also featured two 9.2-inch, Mark X guns, which were installed later to become the principle armament of the fortress.
It is reported that the guns were condemned & replaced in 1938 with those from her sister-ship HMAS Melbourne. There are two six inch guns at the Military Museum on East Point but whether they are from the Melbourne or Brisbane is uncertain. Don Davie - http://www.acant.org.au/Articles/HMASBrisbane1.html
It is reliable reported that two of the Brisbane’s six 6-inch, Mark XI guns were installed at Emery Point with two each at East Point batteries and at the Wagait battery on Cox Peninsula. The East Point battery also featured two 9.2-inch, Mark X guns, which were installed later to become the principle armament of the fortress.
It is reported that the guns were condemned & replaced in 1938 with those from her sister-ship HMAS Melbourne. There are two six inch guns at the Military Museum on East Point but whether they are from the Melbourne or Brisbane is uncertain. Don Davie - http://www.acant.org.au/Articles/HMASBrisbane1.html
Baths at Larrakeyah Barracks 1938
There were swimming baths below the Larrakeyah army barracks. “The Barracks swimming baths are always popular. All ranks take every opportunity to indulge in the splendid exercise of swimming and health-giving and luxurious sun-bathing.” Northern Standard, Friday 27 September 1940
Emery Point Towers 1936 & 1942
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Water Tank & Air Raid Siren Tower 1942 – heavy anti-aircraft gun in background
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Elliott Point
The name appears on Goyder's original Township of Palmerston plan (South Australian Parliamentary Paper 73 of 1870) (June 1870) as Point Elliott, but probably is taken from J C Wickham's, of the "Beagle", journals. A Mr G Elliot was known to have visited the "Beagle" in Sydney around 1839
HMAS Coonawarra
Established 1932 – expanded 1934 and most structures date from the war years. The first official naval reserve depot at Darwin was established in January 1935 under command of Lieutenant Commander HP Jarrett, RAN. At that time, Darwin was part of the Naval Reserve District of Queensland. In 1937, the Naval District of the Northern Territory was separated from the Queensland District and the first District Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander JH Walker, RAN, was appointed.
At the outbreak of World War II, the naval depot in Darwin was named HMAS Penguin, and on 1 August 1940 was formally commissioned as HMAS Melville.
Throughout the war, Coonawarra Wireless Transmitting Station, which had initially begun operating on 18 September 1939, provided essential communications service in support of Allied operations in the South-West Pacific Regions.
Many of the RAN’s small ships, such as the Fairmile and Harbour Defence Motor Launches, also operated from Darwin and its security was maintained by a complex system of fixed harbour defences, which included an anti-submarine boom net. This was maintained throughout the war by naval boom working vessels.
In the post-war period, as demands for inner city real estate increased, the area of land occupied by HMAS Melville diminished. Consequently, it was decided to decommission Melville but retain the central function of the RAN in Darwin via the Coonawarra Wireless Transmitting Station. This merger occurred on 16 May 1970, but HMAS Melville was retained until December 1974 when Cyclone Tracy destroyed it.
Since commissioning, HMAS Coonawarra expanded rapidly. A new Receiving Station at Shoal Bay was opened in 1975, and a new Transmitting Station at Humpty Doo became fully operational in October 1982. HMAS Coonawarra relocated from its original site at Berrimah to Larrakeyah in December 2003. The move, closer to the waterfront, better reflected the changing role of Coonawarra from one of a global communications hub, to fleet support. Today, Darwin’s new naval base is a model of the latest technology for the home porting of patrol boats. The wharf can accommodate six vessels, berthed three abreast. Services such as fuel, electrical power, compressed air, sewerage disposal, oily waste suction, and defueling are available at the berthing points.
The base’s vertical-lift facility further enables patrol boats to be mechanically removed from the water for maintenance and during the cyclone season. This facility has the capability to dock vessels with a draught of up two meters at any tide, and can lift up to 750 tonnes at a rate of 420mm a minute. The service provides much more efficient maintenance for vessels in Northern Australia, thus allowing more time to be spent on coastal surveillance.
The principal activity was eavesdropping on radio communications throughout SE Asia and as such the activities of ‘Melville’ came under Special Intelligence Services which was an early form of MI6 (Military Intelligence Room 6) begun by William Melville – who was simply known as ‘M’ a title honoured in the James Bond books and movies.
At the outbreak of World War II, the naval depot in Darwin was named HMAS Penguin, and on 1 August 1940 was formally commissioned as HMAS Melville.
Throughout the war, Coonawarra Wireless Transmitting Station, which had initially begun operating on 18 September 1939, provided essential communications service in support of Allied operations in the South-West Pacific Regions.
Many of the RAN’s small ships, such as the Fairmile and Harbour Defence Motor Launches, also operated from Darwin and its security was maintained by a complex system of fixed harbour defences, which included an anti-submarine boom net. This was maintained throughout the war by naval boom working vessels.
In the post-war period, as demands for inner city real estate increased, the area of land occupied by HMAS Melville diminished. Consequently, it was decided to decommission Melville but retain the central function of the RAN in Darwin via the Coonawarra Wireless Transmitting Station. This merger occurred on 16 May 1970, but HMAS Melville was retained until December 1974 when Cyclone Tracy destroyed it.
Since commissioning, HMAS Coonawarra expanded rapidly. A new Receiving Station at Shoal Bay was opened in 1975, and a new Transmitting Station at Humpty Doo became fully operational in October 1982. HMAS Coonawarra relocated from its original site at Berrimah to Larrakeyah in December 2003. The move, closer to the waterfront, better reflected the changing role of Coonawarra from one of a global communications hub, to fleet support. Today, Darwin’s new naval base is a model of the latest technology for the home porting of patrol boats. The wharf can accommodate six vessels, berthed three abreast. Services such as fuel, electrical power, compressed air, sewerage disposal, oily waste suction, and defueling are available at the berthing points.
The base’s vertical-lift facility further enables patrol boats to be mechanically removed from the water for maintenance and during the cyclone season. This facility has the capability to dock vessels with a draught of up two meters at any tide, and can lift up to 750 tonnes at a rate of 420mm a minute. The service provides much more efficient maintenance for vessels in Northern Australia, thus allowing more time to be spent on coastal surveillance.
The principal activity was eavesdropping on radio communications throughout SE Asia and as such the activities of ‘Melville’ came under Special Intelligence Services which was an early form of MI6 (Military Intelligence Room 6) begun by William Melville – who was simply known as ‘M’ a title honoured in the James Bond books and movies.
Bennett Shoal
Bennett Shoal was named in the early 1940s probably after Sub-Lieutenant HA Bennett RANR, Commanding Officer of HMAS "Vigilant" which carried out patrol duties in Darwin involving surveying, minesweeping and acting as a boom defence vessel. During the Bombing of Darwin, Vigilant engaged some of the attacking aircraft with her 20 mm Oerlikon and later assisted in picking up survivors from the water. Well known NT pre-war identity Captain Haultain became master of Vigilant when he left the Larrakia.
n.b. James Bennett, Gunners Mate Quarter in 1836 was Master & Captain's Coxswain – was it after him that Bennet’s Shoal was named.
n.b. James Bennett, Gunners Mate Quarter in 1836 was Master & Captain's Coxswain – was it after him that Bennet’s Shoal was named.
Original Hospital Site
SLSA B-72713-30 'Hospital Darwin' 1899-1918
The cliff top above and to the west of Doctor’s Gully is the site of Darwin’s first hospital. In response to numerous deaths of miners from malaria & dysentery, money was raised for a hospital by Public Subscription at Port Darwin & on the goldfields. The original ward of unlined timber & iron subsequently became the Asian Ward.
Miss da Costa of Adelaide donated £500 for a stone wing at the Palmerston Hospital in 1874. She gave another £500 for a second ward to be constructed by Chinese craftsmen in 1875 with the rainwater augmented by wells on the cliff top site above Doctor’s Gully. Over the next 12 years a Women’s Ward, Nurses’ Home & Kitchen were added.
When the Fannie Bay Gaol opened in 1882 a telephone line was installed to enable the doctor to be advised of incoming vessels as he was also the Quarantine Officer for the port.
The first Matron Mrs Alice McGuire, wife of a policeman, was appointed on 8th May 1874 and the hospital officially opened for patients on 18th June. She was also responsible for the hospital garden, fowls & a cow.
In early 1875 Dr Millner and family sailed south on leave along with many other Darwin identities aboard the SS Gothenburg which was lost off Bowen on 6th March with all hands.
The buildings were finally demolished in 1942 following the opening of the new Kahlin Hospital above Cullen Bay on 2nd February 1942 just two weeks before the first Japanese air raid. The site had been the old Kahlin Compound which was largely destroyed by the 1937 cyclone & closed the following year.
Miss da Costa of Adelaide donated £500 for a stone wing at the Palmerston Hospital in 1874. She gave another £500 for a second ward to be constructed by Chinese craftsmen in 1875 with the rainwater augmented by wells on the cliff top site above Doctor’s Gully. Over the next 12 years a Women’s Ward, Nurses’ Home & Kitchen were added.
When the Fannie Bay Gaol opened in 1882 a telephone line was installed to enable the doctor to be advised of incoming vessels as he was also the Quarantine Officer for the port.
The first Matron Mrs Alice McGuire, wife of a policeman, was appointed on 8th May 1874 and the hospital officially opened for patients on 18th June. She was also responsible for the hospital garden, fowls & a cow.
In early 1875 Dr Millner and family sailed south on leave along with many other Darwin identities aboard the SS Gothenburg which was lost off Bowen on 6th March with all hands.
The buildings were finally demolished in 1942 following the opening of the new Kahlin Hospital above Cullen Bay on 2nd February 1942 just two weeks before the first Japanese air raid. The site had been the old Kahlin Compound which was largely destroyed by the 1937 cyclone & closed the following year.
Doctor’s Gully
Doctor’s Gully was named in honour of Doctor Peel, ship’s surgeon on the SS Moonta in which Surveyor General George Woodroffe Goyder led a surveying party from South Australia (the Territory was then the northern part).
They dropped anchor in Port Darwin on 5 February 1869 and proceeded to lay out streets for a capital.
Amongst his other duties, Doctor Peel was in charge of the well diggers. They dug a well with plentiful fresh water at Doctors Gully and a vegetable garden was planted in the rich soil. The well is still there.
Name Dr Gully appeared on map 1872
Shallow sloping beach with solid base – no large rocks or mud became landing place for livestock & for careening ships.
The stereoscopic images below show Dr Peel's men digging for water in Doctor's Gully in 1869. The City of Darwin is rare in that it has photographic documentation since inception.
The images below are NTL PH08370005 - the image on left is NTL PH0837/0006
They dropped anchor in Port Darwin on 5 February 1869 and proceeded to lay out streets for a capital.
Amongst his other duties, Doctor Peel was in charge of the well diggers. They dug a well with plentiful fresh water at Doctors Gully and a vegetable garden was planted in the rich soil. The well is still there.
Name Dr Gully appeared on map 1872
Shallow sloping beach with solid base – no large rocks or mud became landing place for livestock & for careening ships.
The stereoscopic images below show Dr Peel's men digging for water in Doctor's Gully in 1869. The City of Darwin is rare in that it has photographic documentation since inception.
The images below are NTL PH08370005 - the image on left is NTL PH0837/0006
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Chinese Gardens
SLSA Paul Foelsche Image – Chinese Gardens & Hospital 1883
- In 1873 leases were granted and Chinese vegetable gardens flourished.
- Renowned gardeners the Ah Cheong Brothers returned to China in 1920.
- Doctor’s Gully was taken up by George & Stella Carroll who were evacuated in 1941.
Shou Lao Statue - 1879
Road workers removing a Banyan Tree discovered the small soapstone stone statue of Taoist immortal Shou Lao depicted riding a deer and holding a peach.
Attempts at dating range from the Tang Dynast starting in 618AD right through to the 19th Century.
The Supervisor of the road gang William Strawbridge, souvenired the statue and sold it to the Town Clerk of Adelaide (Thomas Worsnop for 5 guineas (5 Pounds, 5 Shillings).
Upon Worsnop’s death in 1950 it passed to his daughters.
In 1950 it was purchased from Mrs May Krogman, a descendant of Worsnop, & lodged with the PowerHouse Museum in Sydney where it lies unregarded today.
Attempts at dating range from the Tang Dynast starting in 618AD right through to the 19th Century.
The Supervisor of the road gang William Strawbridge, souvenired the statue and sold it to the Town Clerk of Adelaide (Thomas Worsnop for 5 guineas (5 Pounds, 5 Shillings).
Upon Worsnop’s death in 1950 it passed to his daughters.
In 1950 it was purchased from Mrs May Krogman, a descendant of Worsnop, & lodged with the PowerHouse Museum in Sydney where it lies unregarded today.
Chinese Fishing Community & Temple
According to Alister M. Bowen 'Archaeology of the Chinese Fishing Industry in Colonial Victoria' this is the only known image of a Chinese Fishermen's Temple in Australia - it was taken "before1900" at Fishermen's Beach Palmerston.
Bowen continues - "Lack of water during the Northern Territory dry season slowed Chinese mining operations. At these times, the Palmerston Government often provided Chinese miners with relief work, which paid a small wage and food rations (Jones 1990:23)
Part of the weekly rations included 3 1/4 lb of salt fish. It is highly likely that this product was Chinese cured fish, revealing a situation possibly unique to Australia where the government purchased produce from Chinese fish curers."
Image NTL PH0190-0027
Bowen continues - "Lack of water during the Northern Territory dry season slowed Chinese mining operations. At these times, the Palmerston Government often provided Chinese miners with relief work, which paid a small wage and food rations (Jones 1990:23)
Part of the weekly rations included 3 1/4 lb of salt fish. It is highly likely that this product was Chinese cured fish, revealing a situation possibly unique to Australia where the government purchased produce from Chinese fish curers."
Image NTL PH0190-0027
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The main Chinese temple in the town was bombed by the Japanese in 1942 after which Australian soldiers looted the furniture and temple artefacts. It is reported that soldiers bombed and destroyed the Moo Tai Mue Chinese Fishermen's Temple or Joss House. This could be a confusion of events & temples – despite being fellow victims of Japanese aggression and atrocities there was anti-Chinese sentiment and perhaps it was seen as an opportunity to clean up an unhealthy area, remove an alien culture & an industrious business competitor. Perhaps it was just stupidity. For whatever reasons the area was totally cleared for the Catalina Base. The temple contained many beautiful objects - it seems extraordinary that the desire to blow things up should override the primary squaddie practice of nicking anything not bolted down. It is proposed to recreate the Prayer Furnace - as seen in the images above - so that fishermen may once more petition for divine intervention.
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RAAF Marine Section WWII Doctor's Gully
RAAF Marine Section established a Workshop at Doctor's Gully prior to the Flying Boat Base and played a vital role as the Catalina airmen depended upon the Marine Section’s boats and crews in many ways.
•Operating the Bomb Scows so that mines, and bombs (some torpedoes had been launched from Cats.) could be loaded.
•Using Work Boats to carry Air Crews to their aircraft
•Using Crash Boats to clear debris from the take-off path, lay flare paths and maintain them during night flying.
•Having Crash Boats on station during take-off, and being there when aircraft were returning from a Mission.
Often returning Catalinas would be damaged, or had injured airmen on-board who required immediate medical attention. Crash boats would accompany these aircraft to render towing assistance to moorings if necessary, or, to be immediately alongside to collect the wounded.
After the surrender by the Japanese, the men of RAAF Marine Section would be kept busy with the constant flow of Catalina Flying Boats arriving, with men just released from the Japanese Prisoner of War Camps.
Hospital Ships like the "Oranji" would pass through Darwin and RAAF Marine Section Boats like 01.4, crowded with Crews would greet the returning POW's.
A Darwin Engineer, Stan Kennon, took over the former RAAF Marine Workshop and slipway for a period before Carl Atkinson a salvage diver took over the lease in 1946 to expand his salvage base.
•Operating the Bomb Scows so that mines, and bombs (some torpedoes had been launched from Cats.) could be loaded.
•Using Work Boats to carry Air Crews to their aircraft
•Using Crash Boats to clear debris from the take-off path, lay flare paths and maintain them during night flying.
•Having Crash Boats on station during take-off, and being there when aircraft were returning from a Mission.
Often returning Catalinas would be damaged, or had injured airmen on-board who required immediate medical attention. Crash boats would accompany these aircraft to render towing assistance to moorings if necessary, or, to be immediately alongside to collect the wounded.
After the surrender by the Japanese, the men of RAAF Marine Section would be kept busy with the constant flow of Catalina Flying Boats arriving, with men just released from the Japanese Prisoner of War Camps.
Hospital Ships like the "Oranji" would pass through Darwin and RAAF Marine Section Boats like 01.4, crowded with Crews would greet the returning POW's.
A Darwin Engineer, Stan Kennon, took over the former RAAF Marine Workshop and slipway for a period before Carl Atkinson a salvage diver took over the lease in 1946 to expand his salvage base.
Catalina Flying Boat Base ZDG
Doctor's Gully Catalina Base ZDG - HQ of RAAF 76 Wing
RAAF 43 Squadron transferred to Darwin on 9 April 1944 - to commenced predominantly mine laying operations from Doctor's Gully. One night early in April, Wing Commander Thompson lead Flight Lieutenants Gray, Righetti and Marr, Flight Sergeant Abbey and Pilot Officer Longmuir, on the first of many 'special missions ' – the laying of mines in enemy waters & harbours. Abbey did not return from this mission, and may have crashed over the target. Gray's aircraft was hit in the hull by anti-aircraft fire, and Gray and his second pilot were both injured. The crew crash-landed on a beach when they returned.
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Aircraft staged through 'Shecat' and as far afield as Morotai to complete their missions. The Catalinas flew up to 25 hours on individual mining tasks, and blockaded areas such as the Hainan, Surabaja and Laoet Straits, and harbours at Hong Kong, Amoy, Seroea and Pascadores Islands. It was a task which required flying and navigational skills, and patience. One can only imagine the feelings of a crew who flew a long 20-hour mission to Hong Kong, only to find that the weather conditions at the target made it impossible to drop the mines, which had to be returned to base. The last mining mission undertaken by 43 Squadron personnel was on the night of 29 July 1945, when mines were dropped in Bangka Strait.
Mining was not the only task undertaken by Catalina aircraft of 43 Squadron. These aircraft flew air-sea rescue sorties in support of long range bomber strikes on targets in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), as well as harassing Japanese facilities at Mandac, Lomboeng, Boeloedoang, Kendari and Ambesia. These operations were not without casualties; Flying Officer Temperley and crew were reported missing when they did not return from operations on 21 July 1944.
Mining was not the only task undertaken by Catalina aircraft of 43 Squadron. These aircraft flew air-sea rescue sorties in support of long range bomber strikes on targets in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), as well as harassing Japanese facilities at Mandac, Lomboeng, Boeloedoang, Kendari and Ambesia. These operations were not without casualties; Flying Officer Temperley and crew were reported missing when they did not return from operations on 21 July 1944.
Catalina being painted at Doctors Gully
The Squadron also flew anti-shipping strikes, the most spectacular of which occurred on 26 June 1944. Squadron Leader L.M. Hurt and crew made a torpedo attack on an enemy merchant ship anchored in Bima Bay.
Although the Catalina faced intense anti-aircraft fire, Hurt successfully dropped his torpedo, but was seriously injured in the process. The second pilot, Flying Officer B.A. Titshall, flew the aircraft back to base under difficult conditions.
After the War ended in August, 43 Squadron flew patrols over the Dutch East Indies and the approaches to Darwin until being warned, on 10 November 1945, that it would be moving to Rathmines, New South Wales.
N.B. Some 80 Australian airmen lost their lives flying missions in Catalinas out of Darwin during the 2nd World War. On 30th November 1945 the last two Catalina Squadrons posted south to be disbanded.
Although the Catalina faced intense anti-aircraft fire, Hurt successfully dropped his torpedo, but was seriously injured in the process. The second pilot, Flying Officer B.A. Titshall, flew the aircraft back to base under difficult conditions.
After the War ended in August, 43 Squadron flew patrols over the Dutch East Indies and the approaches to Darwin until being warned, on 10 November 1945, that it would be moving to Rathmines, New South Wales.
N.B. Some 80 Australian airmen lost their lives flying missions in Catalinas out of Darwin during the 2nd World War. On 30th November 1945 the last two Catalina Squadrons posted south to be disbanded.
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WWII Fuel Storage Tanks
Fuel Oil tanks built in 1943 – one now a rock climbing facility.
After VP Day Doctor’s Gully became a major staging point for returning PoW’s from Singapore & transport of medical supplies.
Image of the tanks & of returning PoW's
After VP Day Doctor’s Gully became a major staging point for returning PoW’s from Singapore & transport of medical supplies.
Image of the tanks & of returning PoW's
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AWM image NWA0998 - Darwin, NT. 14-9-1945. Doctors Gully jetty - prisoners of war (POWs) coming ashore from launch which ferried them from RAAF Consolidated Catalina aircraft which repatriated them from Singapore
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Google Earth overlay of Esplanade - tanks connected by pipe raised on piers along the beachfront.
After the first raids in February 1942 a dispersed network of concrete skinned fuels tanks was established along the foreshore as a more testing target for Japanese bombers. A sophisticated system of pumps and pipe works was established between Stokes Hill and Doctor's Gully.
Carl Atkinson
Carl at the Peary's helm - it was reputedly presented to the US Ambassador.
NTL image PH0366-0028 from the Tom Lewis Collection shows Atkinson at the salvaged helm of the Peary which is now in the US.
1st man to water-ski in Sydney Harbour in 1932 & Carl Atkinson was an instructor in Darwin – a marine salvage expert and adventurer.
Acquired a lease in perpetuity over Doctor’s Gully in 1945.
Won Government contracts to clear the wrecks in the harbour.
Carl Atkinson held the salvage rights to many wartime harbour wrecks including USAT Meigs, USAT Mauna Loa, SS Zealandia and USS Peary.
At low tide you can see the rusted bottoms of former military barges at Doctor's Gully.
- Credited with saving 16 lives through building the Top End’s first decompression chamber.
- Started feeding the fish in 1958 as a casual interest.
- He had the area declared a Fish Reserve in 1964.
- Had a stroke in 1972
- Constructed groyne to protect fish feeding area.
- In 1979 Atkinson sold out to Marshall & Cherry Perron & moved to Murwillumbah NSW where he died in February 1985.
Fujita Salvage from Japan
Fujita Salvage 1959 - NTL image Frank Cleget Collection
Atkinson was unable to accomplish the task of clearing the harbour and so he brought in Fujita Salvage from Japan.
This potentially controversial move saw Senichiro Fujita engage with the Darwin community as a personal act of war-reparations and in doing so managed to endear himself to his nation’s former enemies.
In 1959, 120 Fujita salvage workers started clearing wrecks from the harbour.
The company’s photographs & video footage provide an extensive record of how the wrecks were either raised or broken up in situ for shipment to Japan as scrap metal.
This potentially controversial move saw Senichiro Fujita engage with the Darwin community as a personal act of war-reparations and in doing so managed to endear himself to his nation’s former enemies.
In 1959, 120 Fujita salvage workers started clearing wrecks from the harbour.
The company’s photographs & video footage provide an extensive record of how the wrecks were either raised or broken up in situ for shipment to Japan as scrap metal.
The Japanese company, Fujita Salvage came to Darwin towing a large floating crane and began to remove the wartime wrecks.
One hulk, the tanker British Motorist, was raised, righted and used as a mother ship for the salvage operations. The Japanese would raise large portions of vessels, transport them to the shallows and then an army of workers, all squatting, would chip the rust away.
The Japanese cook, Tsutomu Watanabe, bought a pedigree Collie dog, named it Fuji, and won a prize in the North Australian Canine Association’s Championships. The Japanese liked the animal so much they had documents prepared to enable them to take it back to Japan with them when they finished salvage work.
A dispute arose over the ownership of the USS Peary and the government put the ship up for sale. This infuriated Atkinson who issued a writ to stop the salvage operations. The head of the company, Mr Fujita , and his young interpreter went to court. Lawyer John “Tiger” Lyons, appeared for the company and during a recess in the hearing draped Fujita in his gown and wig. The beaming salvage chief had his photograph taken by the interpreter.
Bowditch was present in the Hotel Darwin when Atkinson discussed payment for the wrecks with Fujita and his increasingly nervous interpreter. While admitting he was a “ little racist” when it came to Japanese because of his war experiences, Bowditch said he liked Fujita. Fujita foolishly said he would not pay Carl for the Peary as he would get it for nothing from the government. Suspecting he was being “diddled ”, Atkinson jumped up in a rage and roared. Fujita took to his heels, ran down the corridor and out into the street, with Atkinson in pursuit. Later on, Atkinson came back , laughing.
Fujita also cautiously re-entered the hotel and negotiations resumed. Bowditch borrowed a typewriter from the hotel reception office and in a cubicle designed for taking telephone calls typed up an agreement for an amount said to have been 12,000 pound ($24,000). The carriage on the typewriter kept hitting the partition and the end result did not look like a slick legal document. Nevertheless , Atkinson gave Bowditch a “sling” for his services. Bowditch felt not all the wrecks should have been removed. One at least should have been left as a reminder, a memorial like at Pearl Harbour , to remind Australia what had happened during the war.
Some of the salvage workers came ashore on leave, sampled Australian beer for the first time and got into trouble. A number just collapsed in various places about town, including a milk bar and outside the police station; another did a dance outside the Victoria Hotel. A diver was killed during the salvage operations and as his body lay in the morgue a guard of Japanese slept around the corpse at night. The body was taken to Channel Island where it was cremated before the entire salvage team. http://littledarwin.blogspot.com.au/2013_11_01_archive.html
One hulk, the tanker British Motorist, was raised, righted and used as a mother ship for the salvage operations. The Japanese would raise large portions of vessels, transport them to the shallows and then an army of workers, all squatting, would chip the rust away.
The Japanese cook, Tsutomu Watanabe, bought a pedigree Collie dog, named it Fuji, and won a prize in the North Australian Canine Association’s Championships. The Japanese liked the animal so much they had documents prepared to enable them to take it back to Japan with them when they finished salvage work.
A dispute arose over the ownership of the USS Peary and the government put the ship up for sale. This infuriated Atkinson who issued a writ to stop the salvage operations. The head of the company, Mr Fujita , and his young interpreter went to court. Lawyer John “Tiger” Lyons, appeared for the company and during a recess in the hearing draped Fujita in his gown and wig. The beaming salvage chief had his photograph taken by the interpreter.
Bowditch was present in the Hotel Darwin when Atkinson discussed payment for the wrecks with Fujita and his increasingly nervous interpreter. While admitting he was a “ little racist” when it came to Japanese because of his war experiences, Bowditch said he liked Fujita. Fujita foolishly said he would not pay Carl for the Peary as he would get it for nothing from the government. Suspecting he was being “diddled ”, Atkinson jumped up in a rage and roared. Fujita took to his heels, ran down the corridor and out into the street, with Atkinson in pursuit. Later on, Atkinson came back , laughing.
Fujita also cautiously re-entered the hotel and negotiations resumed. Bowditch borrowed a typewriter from the hotel reception office and in a cubicle designed for taking telephone calls typed up an agreement for an amount said to have been 12,000 pound ($24,000). The carriage on the typewriter kept hitting the partition and the end result did not look like a slick legal document. Nevertheless , Atkinson gave Bowditch a “sling” for his services. Bowditch felt not all the wrecks should have been removed. One at least should have been left as a reminder, a memorial like at Pearl Harbour , to remind Australia what had happened during the war.
Some of the salvage workers came ashore on leave, sampled Australian beer for the first time and got into trouble. A number just collapsed in various places about town, including a milk bar and outside the police station; another did a dance outside the Victoria Hotel. A diver was killed during the salvage operations and as his body lay in the morgue a guard of Japanese slept around the corpse at night. The body was taken to Channel Island where it was cremated before the entire salvage team. http://littledarwin.blogspot.com.au/2013_11_01_archive.html
The Sea Fox
In 1959, en route from South East Asia to Sydney, and after a refuelling stopover in Darwin, distress calls were heard from the 120ft luxury yacht Sea Fox. There followed an air & sea search, but the yacht was beached at Mission Bay on Elcho Island - as predicted, at low tide she fell breaking several ribs.
On board its exotic crew included owner and world famous magician & actor, John Calvert, his girlfriend a young Filipino singer, Pilita Corrales, a bevy of beautiful assistants and Jimmy the chimpanzee, better known as Cheetah of the Tarzan movies. It was rumoured that Jimmy escaped the stranded vessel to terrorise the residents of Elcho Island who had never seen a chimpanzee before - let alone one that smoked cigarettes. (Image NTL PH0803-0051_tif_Sea Fox at Doctors Gully)
John Calvert led a flamboyant lifestyle and was as well-known for his magic as his impecunity & philandering. The Darwin media had a field day reporting many conflicting stories surrounding the sequence of the events and the damage suffered by the yacht, which was lapped up by the international media.
On board its exotic crew included owner and world famous magician & actor, John Calvert, his girlfriend a young Filipino singer, Pilita Corrales, a bevy of beautiful assistants and Jimmy the chimpanzee, better known as Cheetah of the Tarzan movies. It was rumoured that Jimmy escaped the stranded vessel to terrorise the residents of Elcho Island who had never seen a chimpanzee before - let alone one that smoked cigarettes. (Image NTL PH0803-0051_tif_Sea Fox at Doctors Gully)
John Calvert led a flamboyant lifestyle and was as well-known for his magic as his impecunity & philandering. The Darwin media had a field day reporting many conflicting stories surrounding the sequence of the events and the damage suffered by the yacht, which was lapped up by the international media.
The owner of Doctors Gully, Carl Atkinson, sailed the badly damaged Sea Fox back to Darwin where she was blown on shore from her moorings at Doctors Gully and deemed beyond repair. A bitter salvage battle followed over ownership rights, which ended when Atkinson sold the once luxurious yacht. The new owners promptly burnt it… all they wanted was the lead ballast from her keel.
Interviewed in later years Calvert was asked about taking his show on tour - "Well I first carried my show in a car, in the back of the car. Then I got a trailer put behind the car. And then I thought that if I had a truck, I could have a bigger show. And finally I have a huge semi-trailer truck. And then it came to me that 'If I had an airplane' and I thought maybe in ten years…well it wasn't that long at all that I had an airplane, then a DC-3, a Douglas airliner, and well I had about a dozen airplanes in my time. And then Henry Ford built a big yacht for his son Edsel. Edsel died, and I bought this hundred foot sailing vessel. And sailed it to Hawaii with the show on board. From Hawaii and up to Japan and down to Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia. Since then I have had a number of motor yachts. Motor sailors, and now I have a pure triple screw world cruising yacht with a cruising range of three thousand miles. And I've travelled all over the world. We crossed the Atlantic in eleven days with it. I would like to point out that this came from magic."
Interviewed in later years Calvert was asked about taking his show on tour - "Well I first carried my show in a car, in the back of the car. Then I got a trailer put behind the car. And then I thought that if I had a truck, I could have a bigger show. And finally I have a huge semi-trailer truck. And then it came to me that 'If I had an airplane' and I thought maybe in ten years…well it wasn't that long at all that I had an airplane, then a DC-3, a Douglas airliner, and well I had about a dozen airplanes in my time. And then Henry Ford built a big yacht for his son Edsel. Edsel died, and I bought this hundred foot sailing vessel. And sailed it to Hawaii with the show on board. From Hawaii and up to Japan and down to Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia. Since then I have had a number of motor yachts. Motor sailors, and now I have a pure triple screw world cruising yacht with a cruising range of three thousand miles. And I've travelled all over the world. We crossed the Atlantic in eleven days with it. I would like to point out that this came from magic."
Calvert died in September 2013 at the age of 102 – "Asia's Queen of Song" Pilar "Pilita" Garrido Corrales is in her mid-seventies a renowned pop singer-songwriter, actress, comedian, and television presenter in X Factor Philippines. The cigarette smoking chimp was in fact a fake purchased in Hong Kong by Calvert.
Aquascene
The Perrons continued regularly feeding Atkinson’s fish as a hobby for 2 years - progressively increasing the feeding & developing the viewing facilities into Aquascene in 1981 that has grown into the major attraction that exists today. Marshall resigned from Parliament in 1995 after 21 years as a Member of the NT Legislative Assembly. During 7 years as Chief Minister he was instrumental in such initiatives as the North-South railway and Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995 - he resigned on the morning the bill was to be debated not wishing his position to influence the outcome. It became the world’s first legalised euthanasia legislation and Darwin GP Dr Philip Nitschke performed the world’s first legal medically assisted suicide for Bob Dent, 66, who died on 22 September 1996. The story of Broken Hill taxi drive Max Bell’s journey to end his suffering from prostate cancer has been made in a feature film ‘Last Cab to Darwin’.
‘If I were to keep a pet animal in the same condition I am in, I would be prosecuted. If you disagree with voluntary euthanasia, then don't use it, but don't deny me the right to use it.’ {Bob Dent’s ‘assisted’ suicide note}
The Federal Government upheld a motion by Kevin Andrews and the Act was overturned in 1997 since when Territory politics has been in terminal decline.
The Perons sold out to Des the current owner and moved to Queensland. Today the fish feeding attracts some 70,000 visitors per year.
On display are Floats from the WWII Boom Defence – fuel oil pumping equipment – mooring blocks & anchors and an element of a Catalina propeller.
‘If I were to keep a pet animal in the same condition I am in, I would be prosecuted. If you disagree with voluntary euthanasia, then don't use it, but don't deny me the right to use it.’ {Bob Dent’s ‘assisted’ suicide note}
The Federal Government upheld a motion by Kevin Andrews and the Act was overturned in 1997 since when Territory politics has been in terminal decline.
The Perons sold out to Des the current owner and moved to Queensland. Today the fish feeding attracts some 70,000 visitors per year.
On display are Floats from the WWII Boom Defence – fuel oil pumping equipment – mooring blocks & anchors and an element of a Catalina propeller.
Robert J. Buel USAAF Memorial
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On February 15 1942 the P40E Kittyhawk fighter aircraft of 2nd Lieutenant Buel was one of only two planes available for action. Both aircraft went to defend an allied convoy that was under Japanese attack but only Buel made contact with he fleet and before being shot down & killed he downed a Japanese bomber ad cleared safe passage for the convoy. His self-sacrifice and valour became an inspiration for others.
Peary Memorial
A 4 inch gun from U.S.S. Peary pointing at the site where the ship lies wrecked commemorates the U.S.S. Peary. It was recovered by Carl Atkinson and restored by the Royal Australian Navy, it is now a memorial to the US Navy's greatest loss of life in Australian waters. Eyewitness reports testify to the bravery of the crew - epitomised by the stern gun still firing as the ship slid beneath the waves.
At about 1045, on 19th February 1942 the Peary was attacked by Japanese dive bombers and was struck by five bombs. The first exploded on the fantail, the second, an incendiary, on the galley deck house; the third did not explode; the fourth set off the forward ammunition magazines; the fifth, another incendiary, exploded in the after engine room. A .30 cal machine gun on the after deck house & a .50 cal machine gun on the galley deck house fired until the last enemy plane flew away. Peary sank by the stern at about 1300 hours with the loss of 91 crew. She was struck from the Navy List on 8 May 1942.
At about 1045, on 19th February 1942 the Peary was attacked by Japanese dive bombers and was struck by five bombs. The first exploded on the fantail, the second, an incendiary, on the galley deck house; the third did not explode; the fourth set off the forward ammunition magazines; the fifth, another incendiary, exploded in the after engine room. A .30 cal machine gun on the after deck house & a .50 cal machine gun on the galley deck house fired until the last enemy plane flew away. Peary sank by the stern at about 1300 hours with the loss of 91 crew. She was struck from the Navy List on 8 May 1942.
USS Peary NTL image hdl:10070/54899
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Tanker the British Motorist lists as the USS Peary goes down by the stern NTL image hdl:10070/34384
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Top Camp and Beach Camp - The Esplanade & Lameroo Beach 1911
Baldwin Spenser documented the Larrakia Camp on the Esplanade which was named Top or King Camp as the senior man was known as King Solomon. The Larrakia were 'land-folk' and camped on the cliff top directly above the Beach Camp on Lameroo Beach which was mainly for the Worgait (Wagait) who were 'largely seafaring people' whose lands lay across the harbour - hence their dugout canoes were drawn up along the beach. Spenser returned as Protector in 1912 and in recognition of the differences between these two groups he maintained their separation at the new Kahlin Compound above Kahlin Beach in today's Cullen Bay.
Top Camp also known as King Camp on the Esplanade cliff top above Lameroo Beach. SLSA B-72667-11
King Camp on the Esplanade - 'Camp of Larrakeeya natives, Darwin 1911'. SLSA Sir Baldwin Spencer B-72667-10
Lamaroo Beach Camp 11th Jan.1912 Baldwin Spencer - mainly 'Worgaite' seafaring people. Museum Victoria
Lameroo Baths
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The first public baths were built near Fort Hill in 1880 to give protection from sharks & crocodiles and ‘stingers’ in the Wet.
The baths were damaged by a cyclone & in 1922 the council build new baths on Lameroo Beach. "They were a cement wall, topped by palings, and with bathing sheds at the end.”
The baths were a popular amenity until the opening of the Parap pool in the 1950s.
In 1969 ‘the hippies’ who were camped out on the beach resisted removal by the Darwin City Council and police.
Leichhardt Memorial
A monument commemorates the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt. The plaque was unveiled on the centenary of Leichhardt's reaching Port Essington.
In October 1844, Leichhardt left the Darling Downs with a party of nine men on an expedition to find a new route to Port Essington, near Darwin. He took with him 17 horses, 16 bullocks, 550kilograms of flour, 90 kilograms of sugar, 40 kilograms of tea and 10 kilograms of gelatine. Leichhardt was a very poor bushman and the party was always becoming lost. Two members of the party turned back shortly after the expedition started, and another, John Gilbert was killed by aborigines. Seven exhausted men finally reached Port Essington after a journey of 5000 kilometres. The journey had taken them 15 months.
On December 17, 1945, it will be one hundred years since the explorer. Ludwig Leichhardt, reached Port Essington on the Coburg Peninsula, which then had a British Garrison. A permanent memorial to record this will be erected on the foreshore of Darwin, but a memorial plaque will be unveiled by the Administrator of the Northern Territory at 11am on Monday, December 17, 1945. The ceremony is regarded by the Federal Government as an official one and a representative of the Royal Geographical Society is flying specially from Brisbane to be present. The Service heads will also be present. Two thousand special envelopes will be postmarked with the Darwin Post Office stamp dated December 17, 1945. and these will have a distinct philatelic value.
Army News (Darwin, NT), 15th December 1945.
In October 1844, Leichhardt left the Darling Downs with a party of nine men on an expedition to find a new route to Port Essington, near Darwin. He took with him 17 horses, 16 bullocks, 550kilograms of flour, 90 kilograms of sugar, 40 kilograms of tea and 10 kilograms of gelatine. Leichhardt was a very poor bushman and the party was always becoming lost. Two members of the party turned back shortly after the expedition started, and another, John Gilbert was killed by aborigines. Seven exhausted men finally reached Port Essington after a journey of 5000 kilometres. The journey had taken them 15 months.
On December 17, 1945, it will be one hundred years since the explorer. Ludwig Leichhardt, reached Port Essington on the Coburg Peninsula, which then had a British Garrison. A permanent memorial to record this will be erected on the foreshore of Darwin, but a memorial plaque will be unveiled by the Administrator of the Northern Territory at 11am on Monday, December 17, 1945. The ceremony is regarded by the Federal Government as an official one and a representative of the Royal Geographical Society is flying specially from Brisbane to be present. The Service heads will also be present. Two thousand special envelopes will be postmarked with the Darwin Post Office stamp dated December 17, 1945. and these will have a distinct philatelic value.
Army News (Darwin, NT), 15th December 1945.
Darwin Oval
Darwin Oval was the cricket ground from the early 1870s and was the city’s primary recreational facility until the 1960s.
From 1940 the 14th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery were located at The Oval and fired the first shots in defence of Australia on Australian soil during the Second World War. It was one of the few Militia anti-aircraft units in Darwin at the time of the first raids.
The unit was equipped with four modern 3.7-inch anti-aircraft guns and First World War vintage Lewis light machine-guns. Gunner “Darky” Hudson and Lance Bombardier Fred Wombey were both decorated with the Military Medal for bravery in the field for using their Lewis guns to great effect in defence of strategic installations during the raid.
A commemorative plaque is adjacent to the cenotaph.
Encampments for the battery spread westwards along The Esplanade in what is now Bicentennial Park.
From 1940 the 14th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery were located at The Oval and fired the first shots in defence of Australia on Australian soil during the Second World War. It was one of the few Militia anti-aircraft units in Darwin at the time of the first raids.
The unit was equipped with four modern 3.7-inch anti-aircraft guns and First World War vintage Lewis light machine-guns. Gunner “Darky” Hudson and Lance Bombardier Fred Wombey were both decorated with the Military Medal for bravery in the field for using their Lewis guns to great effect in defence of strategic installations during the raid.
A commemorative plaque is adjacent to the cenotaph.
Encampments for the battery spread westwards along The Esplanade in what is now Bicentennial Park.
Between 8 December 1940 to 26 February 1943 the old cricket ground was the location of the 14 Heavy Anti-aircraft Battery - four 3.7 inch guns. The story is recounted in "DARWIN BOMBED" THE UNIT HISTORY OF 14 HEAVY ANTI-AIRCRAFT BATTERY by Jack Mulholland
"The planes came in from the south-east, and I looked up and they appeared to me like a cemetery, the white underbellies … coming across the blue sky. We fired and were terribly disappointed because the shells fell behind and below the planes. The fuses were powder fuses, which they found out later didn't last long in the tropics. It was a big shemozzle the whole lot of it. The communications between the air force, the Americans, the army and the navy was non-existent." JACK MULHOLLAND February 19, 1942
Darwin Cenotaph - War Memorial
The cenotaph at Darwin Oval on the Esplanade 2017
The Darwin Cenotaph commemorates Australian servicemen and women who have served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved.
Originally erected outside Government House in 1921 to commemorate those who had served in World War One. It was relocated to the Civic Centre in 1970 and then to its present location in Bicentennial Park in 1992. The memorial contains plaques commemorating World War Two, Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. At the rear of the monument is a red granite wall and three flagpoles, on either side of the monument are curved red granite walls. On the left and right walls are listed campaigns that have involved Australian units; all details are in gold leaf.
A large gathering of residents yesterday witnessed the ceremony of unveiling the soldiers` monument erected in Liberty Square Darwin, in memory of the men who enlisted in the Northern Territory. The procession from the town was headed by the town band. The unveiling ceremony was performed by the Administrator (Mr F. C. Urquhart), and was followed by silence for one minute and the reading of Kipling's "Recessional." An address was delivered by the president of the Returned Soldiers' Association (Mr. D.O.Hill), and then the monument was handed over by Mr Percy Kelsey, the president of the monument committee, to the care of the Darwin Town Council. The base of the monument was surrounded by wreaths and the captured German field guns and two machine guns have been placed in proximity to the monument.
The Brisbane Courier (Qld), 25th April 1921.
Originally erected outside Government House in 1921 to commemorate those who had served in World War One. It was relocated to the Civic Centre in 1970 and then to its present location in Bicentennial Park in 1992. The memorial contains plaques commemorating World War Two, Korea, Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam. At the rear of the monument is a red granite wall and three flagpoles, on either side of the monument are curved red granite walls. On the left and right walls are listed campaigns that have involved Australian units; all details are in gold leaf.
A large gathering of residents yesterday witnessed the ceremony of unveiling the soldiers` monument erected in Liberty Square Darwin, in memory of the men who enlisted in the Northern Territory. The procession from the town was headed by the town band. The unveiling ceremony was performed by the Administrator (Mr F. C. Urquhart), and was followed by silence for one minute and the reading of Kipling's "Recessional." An address was delivered by the president of the Returned Soldiers' Association (Mr. D.O.Hill), and then the monument was handed over by Mr Percy Kelsey, the president of the monument committee, to the care of the Darwin Town Council. The base of the monument was surrounded by wreaths and the captured German field guns and two machine guns have been placed in proximity to the monument.
The Brisbane Courier (Qld), 25th April 1921.
The annual commemoration service to mark the anniversary of the bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942
Gunfire and smoke during the Bombing of Darwin commemoration
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The NT Police Memorial
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Larrakia Camp 1869 & Important Water source
The presence of freshwater below the cricket ground made it an important site for the Larrakia people and the early European settlers.
Damoe Ra Path
A Damoe-Ra Park a commemorative pathway leads from the Esplanade opposite Parliament House down to the Deck Chair Cinema. On July 6th, 2004 the mosaic pathway was opened to commemorate the contribution of women to the Northern Territory.
Deckchair Cinema
Deckchair Cinema – opened on 1 June 1994 by the Darwin Film Society. It started near Stokes Hill Wharf, but within nine years had outgrown its location. So in 2003 we re-opened at current location. It operates during the Dry season
Platform for Gas Tanks
Cable Beach modified with spoil from Fort Hill carries bulk gas tanks in 1984
Parliament House & OT Memorial
Parliament House in Darwin is Australia's newest Parliament building, it has been the seat of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly since 1994. The parliamentary building is referred to locally as the ''wedding cake''. It has a total floor area of 23,000 square metres on six levels, and incorporates the Legislative Assembly chamber, ministerial and opposition offices, independent and backbench offices, parliamentary counsel, media facilities, a cafe, craft shop and the NT library.
The chamber itself provides for 25 elected members has three galleries for visitors as well as the press gallery behind and above the Speaker's chair. There is also a formal function venue, called the Great Hall of the People with a granite floor for up to 1000 guests and outside on the lawns overlooking the sea is Speakers’ Corner where any citizen is guaranteed an attentive hearing by the Timor Sea.
The chamber itself provides for 25 elected members has three galleries for visitors as well as the press gallery behind and above the Speaker's chair. There is also a formal function venue, called the Great Hall of the People with a granite floor for up to 1000 guests and outside on the lawns overlooking the sea is Speakers’ Corner where any citizen is guaranteed an attentive hearing by the Timor Sea.
Overland Telegraph Monument
Overland Telegraph Monument
To the east of Parliament house – tucked against the wall, with no parking or signage is a small monument to the Overland Telegraph constructed with stone from the original BAT buildings which were destroyed by the Japanese in 1942.
Across this little park is the monument commemorating the centenary of the overseas cable to Java in 1871, and completion of the Overland Telegraph Line in 1872.
A couple of hundred yards across the carpark – under a bush in the flower bed beside the bus interchange is a cut-down Oppenheimer Pole offset in a lump of concrete commemorating the site where the first pole of the Overland Telegraph Line was planted on the 15th September 1870.
On time and under budget the 2,000 mile (3,200km) North South Transcontinental Telegraph Line was completed within two years. Some 36,000 wooden poles spaced 80 metres apart supported a single galvanised wire between eleven Repeater Stations 2-300kms apart from Port Darwin to Port Augusta in South Australia. All this within a decade of John McDouall Stuart first crossing the continent south to north.
A Public Holiday was declared to celebrate the achievement of cutting the communication time between London & Australia from 6 months to 6 hours.
In an announcement to the British Houses of Parliament – Prime Minister Gladstone enthused "No work of greater magnitude or of such vast importance as this knitting of our distant colonies with the rest of our great empire has ever been recorded as having been carried out by one colony without any outside aid whatever."
Across this little park is the monument commemorating the centenary of the overseas cable to Java in 1871, and completion of the Overland Telegraph Line in 1872.
A couple of hundred yards across the carpark – under a bush in the flower bed beside the bus interchange is a cut-down Oppenheimer Pole offset in a lump of concrete commemorating the site where the first pole of the Overland Telegraph Line was planted on the 15th September 1870.
On time and under budget the 2,000 mile (3,200km) North South Transcontinental Telegraph Line was completed within two years. Some 36,000 wooden poles spaced 80 metres apart supported a single galvanised wire between eleven Repeater Stations 2-300kms apart from Port Darwin to Port Augusta in South Australia. All this within a decade of John McDouall Stuart first crossing the continent south to north.
A Public Holiday was declared to celebrate the achievement of cutting the communication time between London & Australia from 6 months to 6 hours.
In an announcement to the British Houses of Parliament – Prime Minister Gladstone enthused "No work of greater magnitude or of such vast importance as this knitting of our distant colonies with the rest of our great empire has ever been recorded as having been carried out by one colony without any outside aid whatever."
Planting of the 1st Overland Telegraph pole 1870.
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Sad token of a truly great achievement.
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In the Captain Sweet image above, Miss Harriet Douglas holds the commemorative mallet after planting the first pole of the Overland Telegraph Line at Port Darwin on 15th September 1870. She was the eldest of the six children of newly arrived Government Resident Bloomfield Douglas and Ellen Douglas. To her left is Mary Packard, who had lived at the original survey camp at the Adelaide River in 1865; next is Ellen Douglas and the Government Resident himself stands fourth from the left.
Within months four exploration parties had struck out from the Telegraph Line opening up the continent. The discovery of gold whilst digging post holes at Pine Creek led to the last great gold rush. An epic vision, Herculean task & magnificent achievement.
Within months four exploration parties had struck out from the Telegraph Line opening up the continent. The discovery of gold whilst digging post holes at Pine Creek led to the last great gold rush. An epic vision, Herculean task & magnificent achievement.
Liberty Square
A triangle of grass aptly wedged between Government House - Parliament House & the Supreme Court. It contains the surveyed point to establish the time at Port Darwin Vs Greenwich time. It made all other landmarks redundant - notably Government House. In the SW corner is a clump of dressed blocks of porcellanite from the BAT British Australian Telegraph buildings which stood here prior to 19th February 1942. There s also a small plaque to announce the square.
Parliament House - old Mitchell Street >NW
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Stone nuts commemorate the Rebellion
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The Astronomical Survey Pillar
Darwin Astronomical Observation Pillar
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Darwin Astronomical Observation Pillar Plaque
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OT/BAT Memorial
OT/BAT Memorial Liberty Park Darwin
Landing of Telegraph Cable in 1870
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BAT Offices
Morse code ink writer 1870 - taken to Power House Museum NSW
Above a stitch of two Paul Foelsche images showing from left the Telegraph Office and British Australian Telegraph buildings on the site of the current Parliament House with the Residency to the right in June 1879. The images is taken from the oval and also shows the new road rising from the saddle where Goyder & the Telegraph Party made their camps.
One of the sheds was made of steel and held the terminus of the undersea cables. There was once a Customs shed on the beach – an officer would sit in there breaking the bones of Chinese skeletons which were commonly used to smuggle gold back to China.
One of the sheds was made of steel and held the terminus of the undersea cables. There was once a Customs shed on the beach – an officer would sit in there breaking the bones of Chinese skeletons which were commonly used to smuggle gold back to China.
Foelsche 1873 Telegraph Buildings looking west.
Foelsche 1873 Telegraph Buildings looking east.
The Telegraph Fleet
Captain Sweet captured this image of the Telegraph Fleet moored off the cricket oval in 1871
The Telegraph Fleet was photographed by Capt. Sweet who was in command of The Gulnare - she features in a great many of the early adventures in the colonising of the north. Moored alongside her is the Bengal - six years earlier at Escape Cliffs one of her boats had been sold at a premium by her master to seven desperate colonists who sailed her 2,500 miles to Geraldton in Western Australia. Unlike the Gulnare - Bengal, Hibernia, Investigator & Edinburgh all had auxiliary steam. Hibernia & Investigator are without bowsprits as they have been replaced by rollers for laying undersea cable. Edinburgh was converted from a liner to a 4 drum cable ship in 1872.
A Swedish master of the Bengal had earlier sold a 24ft open boat to seven desperate men at Escape Cliff who had sailed it 2,500 miles to Geraldton in Western Australia. The Bengal was wrecked on the reef off Vashon Head early in 1874 more than 100 miles NE of Darwin. There is a yarn told of a long distance dispute between her two owners and the master, John Sinclair - 'the three men walked back to Port Darwin ... arguing all the way'. {Jack Loney}
A Swedish master of the Bengal had earlier sold a 24ft open boat to seven desperate men at Escape Cliff who had sailed it 2,500 miles to Geraldton in Western Australia. The Bengal was wrecked on the reef off Vashon Head early in 1874 more than 100 miles NE of Darwin. There is a yarn told of a long distance dispute between her two owners and the master, John Sinclair - 'the three men walked back to Port Darwin ... arguing all the way'. {Jack Loney}
The Stock Fleet
The first pole of the Overland Telegraph Line had been raised at Darwin on 15th September 1870 by the contractors Darwent & Dalwood who had arrived on the Omeo to build the northern section of the line. Unfortunately, they were unaware of the potential for the Roper River to be navigable so far inland as to supply the bottom end of their section. The work inevitably foundered in the Wet season, rivers were impassable, men and stock were starving. Failure to complete the 300 mile section by the deadline incurred penalties of 5 per cent of the capital raised by the British-Australian Telegraph Company. When the cable came ashore the gap was filled by a pony-express service and the temporary failure of the submarine cable saved punitive default payments. Darwent & Dalwood's men finally downed tools in despair in May 1871 and were replaced by Patterson the assistant engineer-in-charge of the Overland Telegraph Construction. In August 1871 he sailed from Melbourne in the Omeo accompanied by the sailing vessels Golden Fleece 1900 tons; Himalaya 1100 tons; Antipodes 400 tons & Laju 556 tons. They completed loading at Sydney & Newcastle 170 horses, 500 team bullocks, 80 men. The potential of the Roper had still not been fully realised but the Laju loaded with stores made for the extent of navigation in the Roper at Leichhardt's Bar where he crossed on 19th October 1845. The rest of the Stock Fleet made for Port Darwin. Omeo arriving on 24th August; Antipodes on 6th September; Himalaya & Golden Fleece on 13th September. With no jetty or landing facility at Port Darwin - with poor and often unbroken stock - the trek down the Telegraph Line with empty wagons at 3 miles an hour to pick up the stores at the Roper rapidly descended into a nightmare. On the way to Katherine one third of the bullocks died, many horses collapsed from the head & thirst and then the Wet really set in.
Captain Cadell first navigated the Roper in 1866 in the paddle steamer Eagle but when the Bengal tried to follow her track in January 1872, bringing stores & equipment to the starving linesmen, she was unable to sail up the swollen river. Patterson was in charge of building the line between Mataranka & Daly Waters but when he arrived at Leichhardt's Bar on the Roper River he found 3 other line parties already there. Forty desperate linesmen faced starvation so he ordered them to rig a raft out of a wagon dray & tarpaulins, echoing an earlier horror voyage in a hide & sapling boat by Edmunds & party from the East Alligator to Escape Cliffs on the Adelaide River. Patterson called the vessel "Elsie' after his wife and rafted 60 miles to the mouth of the river - clawing their way back against the flow with stores for the remainder of the party.
Patterson made an heroic 370 mile wet season ride from Darwin to Leichhardt's bar where he commandeered a small sailing skiff for the 400 mile trip across the bottom of the Gulf to Normanton. He used the Queensland telegraph to send an urgent plea for help to Adelaide. Charles Todd sailed from Adelaide in Omeo with 80 horses and stores. The Tararua followed with a further 80 horses and lastly the paddle steamer Young Australian which would be grounded & lost in the Roper near the junction with the Wilton whilst bringing steel poles to replace the wooden ones in 1872.
Patterson made an heroic 370 mile wet season ride from Darwin to Leichhardt's bar where he commandeered a small sailing skiff for the 400 mile trip across the bottom of the Gulf to Normanton. He used the Queensland telegraph to send an urgent plea for help to Adelaide. Charles Todd sailed from Adelaide in Omeo with 80 horses and stores. The Tararua followed with a further 80 horses and lastly the paddle steamer Young Australian which would be grounded & lost in the Roper near the junction with the Wilton whilst bringing steel poles to replace the wooden ones in 1872.
Undersea Cables – OT Line
LAYING OF THE CABLE by William Brackley Wildey
‘In October, 1871, the cable expedition arrived. It consisted of the Edinburgh, 2800 tons; the Hibernia, 3100 tons; and the Investigator, 600 tons; Captain Halpin being in command. Messrs. Brown & Stephenson, the electricians for the Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Company, & Messrs. Hockin & Lambert, the electricians of the British-Australian Telegraph Company, & a number of marine engineers and others accompanied the expedition.’
‘In October, 1871, the cable expedition arrived. It consisted of the Edinburgh, 2800 tons; the Hibernia, 3100 tons; and the Investigator, 600 tons; Captain Halpin being in command. Messrs. Brown & Stephenson, the electricians for the Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Company, & Messrs. Hockin & Lambert, the electricians of the British-Australian Telegraph Company, & a number of marine engineers and others accompanied the expedition.’
- ‘At daylight on Tuesday, 7th November, several hundred men from the expedition commenced landing the shore-end from the Hibernia, distant about half a mile away. The huge cable was carried to the shore in bights held up by boats, the men on shore pulling the end by means of tackle. The scene was a most animated one, the men singing at their work, the officers waving flags, and the inhabitants of the settlement looking on. About nine a.m. the end was landed, carried up a shallow trench on the beach to an iron hut just above high-water mark, and the end joined on to the electrical apparatus all ready, under the charge of Mr. Stephenson; and signals were at once exchanged with the ship. A photograph of the scene was taken, success to the cable & Captain Halpin's health were drunk, and then everybody embarked’.
- Captain Sweet was master the Gulnare - not the official photographer but he scooped the field as only his images survive of this & other important days. His trademark was an anchor.
- The telegraph project was so successful that despite a rival cable being laid to Broome a second cable was laid between Singapore and Darwin in 1879. It is believed that this is the cable visible on the surface at low tide.
The 1879 undersea telegraph cable that ran north of Timor
The Darwin end of the undersea cables - insert shows exposed 1871 cable that runs south of Timor.
Government House
SLVic H141687 Goyder’s Camp & Government House under construction – a Capt. Sweet image.
- The Residency was built between 1870 and 1878 – it is the office and official residence of the Administrator of the Northern Territory who is currently John Hardy of Hardy Aviation.
- The oldest building in the Northern Territory.
- The Darwin Rebellion of 17 December 1918 saw about 1000 unionists & demonstrators march on Government House to burnt an effigy of The Government Resident John Gilruth and demanded his resignation.
SLSA B-5062 Paul Foelsche image 1894 – ‘Darwin Harbour where the many gabled Government House, with its wide verandahs and flagstaff, sits on high ground. A coastal steamer can be seen on the right’. In the saddle is Goyder’s Camp then Fort Hill.
Rotunda-01248-640 in 1900
The Goyder Party - Surveying Darwin
SLSA B-11922 Moonta 1870
The Goyder survey expedition 1869 – 1870 was led by George Goyder; Surveyor-General from the South Australia Department of Lands and Survey. He was sent to the Northern Territory in 1869 to complete a land survey and select a site for the capital.
One hundred and fifty men were selected for the expedition and within six months they had surveyed 269,683 hectares, identified further land for growing tropical products and recommended Palmerston as the site for the capital.
These nineteen stereoscope photographs taken during the Goyder survey expedition between 1869 -1870.
Photographers during the expedition were Joseph Brook; the official photographer and Samuel White Sweet; captain of the Gulnare who sailed to the Northern Territory twice and joined the Goyder expedition on both occasions.
One hundred and fifty men were selected for the expedition and within six months they had surveyed 269,683 hectares, identified further land for growing tropical products and recommended Palmerston as the site for the capital.
These nineteen stereoscope photographs taken during the Goyder survey expedition between 1869 -1870.
Photographers during the expedition were Joseph Brook; the official photographer and Samuel White Sweet; captain of the Gulnare who sailed to the Northern Territory twice and joined the Goyder expedition on both occasions.
Goyder’s Camp 1869
In the saddle between the plateau of the town and Fort Hill is where Darwin began as Goyder’s camp from which his men laid out the town and surveyed the surrounding country. There is a commemorative park on the northern side of the site. It was used by the Undersea Cable party in 1871 and the Overland Telegraph contractors.
Panorama by Mike Owen of Capt. Sweet images. L>R Telegraph camp - Goyder's camp & Gulnare at anchor. View from below Residency across the saddle to Fort Hill
George Woodroffe Goyder was born on 24 June 1826 and baptized on 16 July 1826 at Liverpool, England, son of David George Goyder, physician and Swedenborgian minister, and his wife Sarah, née Etherington. When the family moved to Glasgow, George joined an engineering firm and studied surveying. His sister emigrated to Sydney and George followed her in 1848 but later settled in South Australia. In 1851 he married Frances Mary Smith and they had nine children. He had joined the civil service as a draftsman and became chief clerk in the Lands and Survey Department in July 1853. Four years later he became Assistant Surveyor-General and Surveyor-General from 29 May 1861, a position he held until the end of 1893.
For more than forty years Goyder offered advice and made far reaching decisions on almost any aspect of surveying, railway construction forestry and mining. He often went into the field on horseback checking surveyors and even taking over the actual survey from incompetent men. When Goyder applied for the position of Surveyor General, three months after his appointment as Chief Inspector of Mines, Major A.H. Freeling wrote in support, 'I can speak in the highest terms of Mr Goyder's zeal and ability; and also of his conscientious discharge of his duties. He has been consistently in the field at least 10 months out of the year.' He held this, and several other, positions until his retirement.
For more than forty years Goyder offered advice and made far reaching decisions on almost any aspect of surveying, railway construction forestry and mining. He often went into the field on horseback checking surveyors and even taking over the actual survey from incompetent men. When Goyder applied for the position of Surveyor General, three months after his appointment as Chief Inspector of Mines, Major A.H. Freeling wrote in support, 'I can speak in the highest terms of Mr Goyder's zeal and ability; and also of his conscientious discharge of his duties. He has been consistently in the field at least 10 months out of the year.' He held this, and several other, positions until his retirement.
SLSA B-4653 Stables 1870 Capt. Sam Sweet image
When pastoralists complained during the drought of 1863 -1866, Goyder went to reassess their properties. The first eighteen valuations he carried out were published in the Adelaide Express in Sept. 1864. His line of travel - nearly 5,000 km on horseback - marked off the line of drought & became known as Goyder's Line of Rainfall. His line indicated the limit of the rainfall which coincided with the southern boundary of saltbush country. It separated lands suitable for agriculture from those fit for pastoral use only. It also marked areas of reliable & unreliable annual rainfall. Not all agreed, calling it Goyder's line of foolery.
With good seasons in the early 1870s land became scarce & expected income from land sales persuaded government to disregard the Line & allow farmers to buy land to the north. They surveyed towns; Hammond, Bruce, Cradock, Gordon, Johnburgh, Wilson, Carrieton, Chapmanton, Farina, Amyton & others. The 1880s poor seasons proved Goyder right & farmers moved back south of his Line.
With good seasons in the early 1870s land became scarce & expected income from land sales persuaded government to disregard the Line & allow farmers to buy land to the north. They surveyed towns; Hammond, Bruce, Cradock, Gordon, Johnburgh, Wilson, Carrieton, Chapmanton, Farina, Amyton & others. The 1880s poor seasons proved Goyder right & farmers moved back south of his Line.
Goyder's Camp 1870 NTL PH 0002-0161 Roger Nott collection
In 1868 the South Australian government, harassed by land buyers who had no title to their northern properties, appointed Goyder to survey land in the Northern Territory, to meet the demands of the settlers. He, and his men, surveyed thousands of hectares and recommended Palmerston (Darwin) as the site for the capital and selected land suitable for growing tropical produce. By the end of August the survey of 660,000 acres of town and country lands was completed. All the streets of Darwin were named after the surveyors. It was not until 1955 though that Darwin had a street named after Goyder, and 1983 until Goyder Square was named in the city centre of Palmerston. There are Goyder's Pillars, the Goyder River and a Goyder Creek though. In South Australia his name is commemorated a little better. The Hundred of Goyder was named in 1862. This was followed by Goyder's Lagoon on the Birdsville Track, Goyder Railway Station, Mount Woodroffe, the highest mountain in South Australia, Wheal Goyder, a copper mine near Wallaroo where W.S. Whitington was secretary. There is also the Regional Council of Goyder and an Electoral Division. On Kangaroo Island there was a goldfield named after him as well as the Goyder Range & the Goyder Range Branch Creek. There is even a fish named Goyder rainbow.
Goyder was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1889 and given a purse of 1,000 sovereigns when he retired in 1894. He died at his home, Warrakilla, the old Wheatsheaf Hotel, near Echunga in the Adelaide Hills, on 3 November 1898. He is buried at the Stirling District Cemetery. George Woodroffe Goyder has been one of South Australia's foremost civil servants. http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/goyder.htm
Goyder was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1889 and given a purse of 1,000 sovereigns when he retired in 1894. He died at his home, Warrakilla, the old Wheatsheaf Hotel, near Echunga in the Adelaide Hills, on 3 November 1898. He is buried at the Stirling District Cemetery. George Woodroffe Goyder has been one of South Australia's foremost civil servants. http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/goyder.htm
SLSA B-4652 Sweet – 1870 – the Government stables & bullock cart
Goyder Park - opened by John Hardy, NT Administrator 5/2/2016
Old memorial to Goyder's camp opposite new park
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Goyder Park showing location of store and adjacent items
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WWII Boom Defence Shed c.1940
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The Boom Shed was a part of the infrastructure to support the anti-submarine boom built across the entrance to Darwin Harbour between East Point and West Point (near Mandoorah).
When the first stage was completed in early 1942 the boom was 4.6km long but it was later extended to 5.59km. The boom itself consisted of a “net” of heavy steel cables supported by buoys at frequent intervals. The “net” was constructed with a 6 foot grid.
The Boom Defence Yard was on a flat area of land at the base of Fort Hill (now removed), the main feature of which was a large workshop called the Boom Shed. There was a small Boom Wharf nearby where the five Boom Repair Ships docked.
Repair work on the boom was constant and difficult as there was a strong current in the channel. After World War II the Boom Shed was much modified and used as an iron ore storage shed. It was demolished in early 2006.
The boom was dismantled in 1945. (Engineers Australia)
When the first stage was completed in early 1942 the boom was 4.6km long but it was later extended to 5.59km. The boom itself consisted of a “net” of heavy steel cables supported by buoys at frequent intervals. The “net” was constructed with a 6 foot grid.
The Boom Defence Yard was on a flat area of land at the base of Fort Hill (now removed), the main feature of which was a large workshop called the Boom Shed. There was a small Boom Wharf nearby where the five Boom Repair Ships docked.
Repair work on the boom was constant and difficult as there was a strong current in the channel. After World War II the Boom Shed was much modified and used as an iron ore storage shed. It was demolished in early 2006.
The boom was dismantled in 1945. (Engineers Australia)
Darwin Harbour was protected during WW2 by the world's longest anti-submarine boom. It was operated by a total of seven Boom Defence vessels.
A meshed steel wire cable was stretched across Darwin Harbour from East Point across to West Point. Stage 1 of the Boom Defence was completed in 1942 and was 4.6kms long. It was later extended to 5.59kms in length. Buoys were used to hold up the top of the cable.
Larger buoys distributed along the cable at intervals were attached to the seabed. An opening was formed to let through friendly vessels - HMAS Kara Kara and HMAS Gunbar were the two anchored gate ships for the Darwin Boom Defence. (OZATWAR)
Image shows support towers installed to manage the boom ends through the 7m tidal range in Darwin Harbour.
A meshed steel wire cable was stretched across Darwin Harbour from East Point across to West Point. Stage 1 of the Boom Defence was completed in 1942 and was 4.6kms long. It was later extended to 5.59kms in length. Buoys were used to hold up the top of the cable.
Larger buoys distributed along the cable at intervals were attached to the seabed. An opening was formed to let through friendly vessels - HMAS Kara Kara and HMAS Gunbar were the two anchored gate ships for the Darwin Boom Defence. (OZATWAR)
Image shows support towers installed to manage the boom ends through the 7m tidal range in Darwin Harbour.
Indicator Loops
In September 1940 two Indicator Loops were laid two miles to the seaward side of the Darwin anti-submarine boom net, requiring some 276,000 feet of cable supplied by Cable and Wireless Ltd, Victoria Embankment, London.
Unfortunately, the force of water caused by the changing tides and the rough seabed in Darwin resulted in many breakages in the cable. Following a survey conducted of the seabed, by HMA Ships Vigilant, Kiara and Wato, it was decided to lay a replacement of five loops three miles further to seaward. This was completed in 1943 when the indicator loop hut was moved to Nightcliff, west of the present jetty, providing a more direct location for the tails from the junction boxes to the shore. The hut was fully operational on 30 June 1943.
Between January and March 1942, several unsighted crossings were recorded by the indicator loop. Later, between 8 and 16 August that year, unsighted crossings were made and the signatures recorded on the screen in the hut were very similar to those made by the midget submarines that entered Sydney Harbour in May 1942. (RAN Fixed Defences of Darwin Harbour)
Unfortunately, the force of water caused by the changing tides and the rough seabed in Darwin resulted in many breakages in the cable. Following a survey conducted of the seabed, by HMA Ships Vigilant, Kiara and Wato, it was decided to lay a replacement of five loops three miles further to seaward. This was completed in 1943 when the indicator loop hut was moved to Nightcliff, west of the present jetty, providing a more direct location for the tails from the junction boxes to the shore. The hut was fully operational on 30 June 1943.
Between January and March 1942, several unsighted crossings were recorded by the indicator loop. Later, between 8 and 16 August that year, unsighted crossings were made and the signatures recorded on the screen in the hut were very similar to those made by the midget submarines that entered Sydney Harbour in May 1942. (RAN Fixed Defences of Darwin Harbour)
http://indicatorloops.com/darwin.htm - If you have further information to for this worthwhile project - email Richard Walding at [email protected]
Fort Hill
Old Port Darwin
SLSA Sir Baldwin Spencer - 'Port Darwin from jetty embankment at foot of Stokes Hill and looking towards Fort Hill and the buildings known as 'The Camp'. On the right may be seen Kitchener Drive around the foot of the cliffs from jetty to the camp and thence up the cliffs to the town. In the right foreground is an old square barge and the remains of an old motor boat. Time low tide. At high tide water reaches to Kitchener drive'. B72667/1
Gulnare Wharf
Gulnare Jetty inside Fort Hill looking across Kitchener Bay to Stokes Hill on right.
The first jetty in Port Darwin was constructed from sandstone inside Fort Hill in what became Kitchener Bay. It was called Gulnare Wharf.
Port Darwin panorama - Fort Hill to Stokes Hill jetty - author unknown. SLSA NT Collection B-30541-1/2 c1900 this is now called Kitchener Bay.
Knight's Folly
SLSA B-5060 Paul Foelsche image 1902 - view from Fort Hill with Knight's Folly at centre above Kitchener Bay
John George Knight was one of the most popular figures in the Territory’s history. He was a successful architect in Victoria before gold lured him to the Territory in 1873. Knight came to Darwin in 1880 and designed a number of Darwin’s buildings, some of which remain as testimony to his architectural and engineering skills.
In 1884 Knight designed and had built a novel two storey residence in Moorish style, built of rammed earth. It’s location, on Hughes Avenue, part way up the escarpment gave it a fine view over the port. The building became known as ‘Knight’s Folly’.
Knight occupied many official posts during his years in the Territory, and was Government Resident when he died in January 1892. After his death ‘Knight’s Folly’ was occupied by senior government officers and finally by Crown Law Officer, E. T. Asche and his family.
In later years the building was known as the ‘Mud Hut’. Amongst other works, Knight designed Victoria’s Parliament House in Melbourne before coming to the Territory. (Engineers Australia)
Image shows sign at remnants of the building close to the Fuel Tunnels.
In 1884 Knight designed and had built a novel two storey residence in Moorish style, built of rammed earth. It’s location, on Hughes Avenue, part way up the escarpment gave it a fine view over the port. The building became known as ‘Knight’s Folly’.
Knight occupied many official posts during his years in the Territory, and was Government Resident when he died in January 1892. After his death ‘Knight’s Folly’ was occupied by senior government officers and finally by Crown Law Officer, E. T. Asche and his family.
In later years the building was known as the ‘Mud Hut’. Amongst other works, Knight designed Victoria’s Parliament House in Melbourne before coming to the Territory. (Engineers Australia)
Image shows sign at remnants of the building close to the Fuel Tunnels.
First Round Australia Flight 1924
In 1924 Wing Commander S.V. (Jimmy) Goble and Flight Lt. I.E. McIntyre of the Royal Australian Air Force were the first men to circumnavigate Australia by air. This is acknowledged as one of the most important flights in Australian aviation history.
They left Point Cook on 6 April 1924 in aircraft A10-3, a single-engined Fairey IIID seaplane and flew 13,600 kilometres in 44 days on an anti-clockwise route via Sydney, Southport, Townsville, Thursday Island, across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Darwin, Broome, Carnarvon, Perth, Albany, and Port Lincoln and back to Victoria, landing at St Kilda Beach.
They had had many problems en route including illness, engine trouble, fuel leaks and tropical storms, but were feted on arrival at St Kilda Beach by a crowd of 10,000 people and the acclaim of the nation.
Prime Minister Stanley Bruce called the flight "one of the most wonderful accomplishments in the history of aviation” and his Government awarded Goble £500 and McIntyre £250.
They were awarded the Britannia Trophy by the British Royal Aero Club and both were appointed Companions of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours. McIntyre was awarded the 1924 Oswald Watt medal for the flight. (http://www.saam.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SAAM-Profiles-IVOR-MCINTYRE.pdf)
They left Point Cook on 6 April 1924 in aircraft A10-3, a single-engined Fairey IIID seaplane and flew 13,600 kilometres in 44 days on an anti-clockwise route via Sydney, Southport, Townsville, Thursday Island, across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Darwin, Broome, Carnarvon, Perth, Albany, and Port Lincoln and back to Victoria, landing at St Kilda Beach.
They had had many problems en route including illness, engine trouble, fuel leaks and tropical storms, but were feted on arrival at St Kilda Beach by a crowd of 10,000 people and the acclaim of the nation.
Prime Minister Stanley Bruce called the flight "one of the most wonderful accomplishments in the history of aviation” and his Government awarded Goble £500 and McIntyre £250.
They were awarded the Britannia Trophy by the British Royal Aero Club and both were appointed Companions of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours. McIntyre was awarded the 1924 Oswald Watt medal for the flight. (http://www.saam.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SAAM-Profiles-IVOR-MCINTYRE.pdf)
NTL PH0241-0002 McIntyre & Goble 1924 RAAF Collection
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The aviators pictured at Elcho Island
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The WWII Fuel Oil Tunnels
The air raids of early 1942 almost totally destroyed the above ground oil storage tanks which had been constructed around Stokes Hill. Part of the Allied response was to commission eight underground oil storage tanks which would be safe from bombing. Work began in 1943 but only five tunnels were finished when the war ended. They were never used for bulk oil storage.
These tanks took advantage of the escarpment around the perimeter of the Darwin city area. Access tunnels were driven into the steep walls of the escarpment not far above high water at three locations. Further into the escarpment, the tunnels were expanded in size, concrete lined then further lined with thin steel sheeting to form an oil-tight tank. The steel lining also kept the considerable flow of groundwater out of the oil tanks.
These tunnels remain today penetrating deep beneath the streets of the city and need to be taken into account when planning foundations and underground car parks in buildings above. (Engineers Australia)
These tanks took advantage of the escarpment around the perimeter of the Darwin city area. Access tunnels were driven into the steep walls of the escarpment not far above high water at three locations. Further into the escarpment, the tunnels were expanded in size, concrete lined then further lined with thin steel sheeting to form an oil-tight tank. The steel lining also kept the considerable flow of groundwater out of the oil tanks.
These tunnels remain today penetrating deep beneath the streets of the city and need to be taken into account when planning foundations and underground car parks in buildings above. (Engineers Australia)
Stokes Hill Wharf
Paul Foelsche Image SLSA B-24168 1896
William Patrick Auld (pictured in 1880) had been with John McDouall Stuart's successful crossing of the continent in 1861/62 and was surveyor at Escape Cliffs under Colonel Boyd Travers Finniss when he took part in a surveying voyage on HMS Beatrice which included Darwin Harbour area.
Auld named Stokes Hill for Lieutenant Stokes of HMS Beagle voyage in 1839. There have been three wharfs constructed that have backed on to Stokes Hill. Whilst at Escape Cliffs, Auld was accused with two others of shooting an Aboriginal man whilst attempting to recover items stolen from the settlement.
A trooper had been sent to Escape Cliffs to arrest Auld's co-accused, William Dougall and Adam Chandler but at the trial in Adelaide there was no evidence tendered by the prosecution and the defence tabled a report that the supposed victim (Dombey or Bombey) was alive. The two witnesses for the prosecution failed to appear - one, Packard, having drowned.
Auld named Stokes Hill for Lieutenant Stokes of HMS Beagle voyage in 1839. There have been three wharfs constructed that have backed on to Stokes Hill. Whilst at Escape Cliffs, Auld was accused with two others of shooting an Aboriginal man whilst attempting to recover items stolen from the settlement.
A trooper had been sent to Escape Cliffs to arrest Auld's co-accused, William Dougall and Adam Chandler but at the trial in Adelaide there was no evidence tendered by the prosecution and the defence tabled a report that the supposed victim (Dombey or Bombey) was alive. The two witnesses for the prosecution failed to appear - one, Packard, having drowned.
Paul Foelsche image - SLSA B-24187-1 1895 Palmerston jetty with ships loading from rail carts
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Paul Foelsche image - SLSA B-5064 a large four masted barque, the 'Euphrates' is moored. This ship was carrying railway iron when it ran aground near Darwin
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In 1885-6 the Railway Jetty was completed at Stokes Hill, connecting the Port to the Palmerston and Pine Creek Railway. Within a few years, the timber wharf succumbed to the ravages of teredo worms and termites and it was closed in 1898 after the catastrophic cyclone of the previous year.
'Port Darwin taken from the terrace steps in the railway reserve leading from the southern end of Cavenagh Street to the jetty. The railway around Stokes Hill can be seen on the left of the picture'. [B 72667/2] • SLSA image Sir Baldwin Spencer 1911
This was the Town Wharf or Railway Jetty
The 'L' shaped Town Wharf at Stokes Hill, was completed in 1904. Its poor design, allowing only 5 railway wagons on the wharf at one time and no access for a locomotive, was criticized throughout its life. Nevertheless it survived until it was severely damaged in the Japanese bombing raids of 1942.
To replace the damaged Town Wharf a new timber wharf was built at Fort Hill during World War II. It fell victim to teredo worms and some 600 feet of it collapsed. The remainder was partially reconstructed with steel piles and became Old Fort Hill Wharf (now demolished).
To replace the damaged Town Wharf a new timber wharf was built at Fort Hill during World War II. It fell victim to teredo worms and some 600 feet of it collapsed. The remainder was partially reconstructed with steel piles and became Old Fort Hill Wharf (now demolished).
The second, Town Wharf, at Stokes Hill was completed in 1903. It stood on cast iron and concrete piers with wooden decking and a distinctive L shape. Cargo handling was by rail. The stone embankment, extending along the edge of the road leading to the wharf, was probably built at this time and was constructed of locally quarried porcellanite stone
SLSA PRG-280-1-5-14 New jetty at Darwin Alfred Searcy 1903
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The Town Wharf was severely damaged in the first Japanese bombing raid. The remains of the ships destroyed in that first raid remained visible at low tide until 1959, when the salvage rights were sold – ironically to the Japanese Fujita Salvage Company – and the wrecks were cut up and removed.
The SS Neptuna
The MV Neptuna was a British passenger/cargo vessel of 6,000 tons which had evacuated women & children from the northern garrisons early in the war. Converted to an ammunition ship, she received direct hits whilst moored alongside Stokes Hill Wharf on 19th February 1942. The Japanese salvage company Fujita piled plate on her hull prior to export for scrap.
To replace the damaged Town Wharf a new timber wharf was built at Fort Hill during World War II. It fell victim to teredo worms and some 600 feet of it collapsed. The remainder was partially reconstructed with steel piles and became Old Fort Hill Wharf (now demolished).
The third, Stokes Hill Wharf that you see today, was commenced in 1953 and completed in 1956. Up until the commissioning of the New Fort Hill Wharf in 1981, it was the main general cargo wharf for the port. Its port functions have been greatly decreased in recent times with completion of the new East Arm Port. (Engineers Australia)
It was built of steel and concrete with timber decking and served as the main port of Darwin until facilities were transferred to the new Darwin Port at East Arm in 2000. East Arm became the terminus of the north-south transcontinental rail freight link.
It was built of steel and concrete with timber decking and served as the main port of Darwin until facilities were transferred to the new Darwin Port at East Arm in 2000. East Arm became the terminus of the north-south transcontinental rail freight link.
- It now provides dining and refreshment facilities that take best advantage of the harbour views and sea breeze.
- Two murals and a virtual reality centre depict the first bombing raids over Darwin on the 19th February 1942.
- This a working wharf for smaller commercial vessels. Harbour cruise vessels embark and disembark passengers from a landing.
HMAS Arrow
The Attack Class Patrol Boat HMAS Arrow, with a crew of 18 on board was driven under the Stokes Hill Wharf after breaking her moorings at the height of Cyclone Tracy in the early hours of Christmas Day 1974 and sank with the loss of two lives.
HMAS Arrow (P88) was the eighth of a class of 20 boats and was commissioned on 3 July 1968. She was 32.6 metres long, 6.1 metres beam and displaced 146 tons fully loaded. Powered by two Davey-Paxman Ventura diesel engines of 3460 horsepower driving twin propellers she had a maximum speed of 24 knots. There were four Attack Class Patrol Boats in Darwin at the time of Cyclone Tracy.
Arrow’s sister ship and class leader HMAS Attack was driven ashore by the sheer force of the cyclonic winds at Doctor’s Gully whilst HMAS Advance and HMAS Assail were damaged. (Engineers Australia)
HMAS Arrow (P88) was the eighth of a class of 20 boats and was commissioned on 3 July 1968. She was 32.6 metres long, 6.1 metres beam and displaced 146 tons fully loaded. Powered by two Davey-Paxman Ventura diesel engines of 3460 horsepower driving twin propellers she had a maximum speed of 24 knots. There were four Attack Class Patrol Boats in Darwin at the time of Cyclone Tracy.
Arrow’s sister ship and class leader HMAS Attack was driven ashore by the sheer force of the cyclonic winds at Doctor’s Gully whilst HMAS Advance and HMAS Assail were damaged. (Engineers Australia)
Qantas Office & Flying Boat Base
QANTAS Office & Flying-Boat Base below the bombed fuel tanks on Stokes Hill
NT143-01 Short Empire Flying boat S.23 Corinthian
Empire Airways Short Empire S.23 flying boat, G-AEUF "Corinthian", hit debris and sunk about two nautical miles from Doctors Gully at 1am on 22 March 1942 on the final leg from Groote Eylandt of a flight from Brisbane to Darwin carrying fifteen members of the 102nd Coastal Artillery Battalion of which two were killed. Captain Lewis Ambrose spent 5 months in hospital after this crash.
Captain Tapp re-entered the hull after the crash searching for survivors. Two enlisted men of 102nd Coastal Artillery died in the crash. Two members of 102nd Coast Artillery, Lt. Edward Hubbard and Pvt. Woodrow Ravenscroft, were awarded the Soldier's Medal on 12 June 1942 for their efforts to rescue other members of their unit following the crash. Captain Tapp received a civilian award for his role in the crash.
At low tide the wrecked aircraft was sitting in 30 feet of water with its tail sticking up clear of the water. RAN divers inspected the wreck for salvage. However, being embedded in the mud and silt, and due to the risks to divers of an air raid, salvage attempts were called off and the wreckage was destroyed to clear the waterway for shipping and other flying boats. This was achieved by HMAS Koala steaming over the position of the aircraft. HMAS Koala drew 16 feet of water. Three possible causes for the accident were an pilot error of judgement - wreckage or trees in the harbour or dislodgement of the heavy cargo of guns. (Peter Dunn & Silvano Jung http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/nt143.htm)
Captain Tapp re-entered the hull after the crash searching for survivors. Two enlisted men of 102nd Coastal Artillery died in the crash. Two members of 102nd Coast Artillery, Lt. Edward Hubbard and Pvt. Woodrow Ravenscroft, were awarded the Soldier's Medal on 12 June 1942 for their efforts to rescue other members of their unit following the crash. Captain Tapp received a civilian award for his role in the crash.
At low tide the wrecked aircraft was sitting in 30 feet of water with its tail sticking up clear of the water. RAN divers inspected the wreck for salvage. However, being embedded in the mud and silt, and due to the risks to divers of an air raid, salvage attempts were called off and the wreckage was destroyed to clear the waterway for shipping and other flying boats. This was achieved by HMAS Koala steaming over the position of the aircraft. HMAS Koala drew 16 feet of water. Three possible causes for the accident were an pilot error of judgement - wreckage or trees in the harbour or dislodgement of the heavy cargo of guns. (Peter Dunn & Silvano Jung http://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/nt143.htm)
The wreck site was thought to have been discovered by Sasha Mueller of Coral Divers on a dive training trip in 2004 - subsequent examination by Silvano Jung concluded that it was not the wreck site of the Corinthian and is now known as Corinthian reef. The presence of four large engines - significant airframe and large artillery pieces rank it highly amongst the many unsolved mysteries of Darwin harbour.
On the 12th December 1938 - Qantas Empire flying boat Coorong (VH-ABE) was badly damage when she broke from her moorings during a severe storm at high tide and driven ashore near the wharf.
She was dismantled - shipped to England and refurbished in time for RAAF war service. (ttp://www.adf-serials.com/research/empireflyingboats.pdf)
On the 12th December 1938 - Qantas Empire flying boat Coorong (VH-ABE) was badly damage when she broke from her moorings during a severe storm at high tide and driven ashore near the wharf.
She was dismantled - shipped to England and refurbished in time for RAAF war service. (ttp://www.adf-serials.com/research/empireflyingboats.pdf)
The Jetty Restaurant
The building that projects out from the end of the wharf is now the Jetty Restaurant & BodyFit Gymnasium. It was originally the Cooling Water Pump House for Stokes Hill Power Station which was located about 100m away under the lee of Stokes Hill.
The Pump House contained electric pumps which delivered sea water to the power station to condense the exhaust steam back to water to improve efficiency and enable the condensate to be recycled back to the boilers. (Engineers Australia)
The Pump House contained electric pumps which delivered sea water to the power station to condense the exhaust steam back to water to improve efficiency and enable the condensate to be recycled back to the boilers. (Engineers Australia)
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Coastal Marine Park
This is new - nice wreck - she broke her lines in a storm about 2011
It is understood that this yacht broke its mooring lines 4-5 years ago during a storm
The Wreck of the Huddersfield - Snail of the Sea
The rig on Elcho Island - above the current clinic.
Within 20 years of federation, the Australian Government had posted a £50,000 reward for the discovery of oil in commercial quantity. For this reason, the arrival in Darwin of the Government auxiliary ketch 'John Alce' in the middle of 1922 was a critical event as the ship's engineer, Mr. Phillips, was carrying the bitumen samples recently collected by Rev. Jennison on Elcho Island. Jennison had asked him to deliver them to Darwin Dentist Dr. C.E. Hill. On the 12th August Jennison found more bitumen including some in situ - apparently disproving the theory of Territory bitumen floating down from Borneo.
Upon receipt of the bitumen, Dr. Hill registered the Elcho Island Development Syndicate with F.J. King (Chairman); P. Brennan (sec.) C.E. Hill (Treasurer); E.P. Zakharow (Manager) and on 24th October 1921 lodged an application for a Mineral Oil and Coal Licence over Elcho Island, Wessel (Marchinbar) Island as well as Howard, Banyan & Dere (sic) Islands.
Upon receipt of the bitumen, Dr. Hill registered the Elcho Island Development Syndicate with F.J. King (Chairman); P. Brennan (sec.) C.E. Hill (Treasurer); E.P. Zakharow (Manager) and on 24th October 1921 lodged an application for a Mineral Oil and Coal Licence over Elcho Island, Wessel (Marchinbar) Island as well as Howard, Banyan & Dere (sic) Islands.
The Huddersfield in her pomp - Lady Denman Maritime Museum
The infamous Huddersfield Expedition was a long running fiasco that fomented following the loss of the S.S. Douglas Mawson (333 tons) which was a wooden ketch rigged twin screw Government steamer operating between Cairns & the Gulf of Carpentaria. On 29 March 1923 she disappeared en route from Burketown to Thursday Island during a cyclone centred near Groote Eylandt. Twenty people aboard lost their lives & it was to give rise to a prolonged public outcry fanned by the newspapers & proclivities of the day.
A marine board of inquiry was set up to establish the cause of the wreck & concluded the absence of a barometer was a major contributing factor. Wreckage was identified on the Arnhem Land coast some 12 months later. Her loss & location of the wreck remain among northern Australia's abiding maritime mysteries.
It was Zakharow who in August 1924 raised the outrageous claims that two white female survivors were held captive by wild Arnhem Land Aboriginals who had killed the male castaways as they came ashore on the western side of the Gulf of Carpentaria. One of the women had subsequently given birth to a white baby.
A frenzied surge of alarm was raised by the women of Queensland which resulted in the Qld Parliament offering to assist the NT Administration's rescue efforts. Zakharow & crew set out in the Pat to investigate at the request of NT Administrator Mr P. Urquhart. They reportedly learned from, Banaka, an Aboriginal boy in the English Company Islands that a Port Bradshaw man, Keet Parloo, had led a party of Caledon Bay & Port Bradshaw natives in an attack on the survivors of the Douglas Mawson. The women & infant were healthy but well guarded. Zakharow's witnesses were R. Stuart the mate of the Huddersfield; George Tozer the mine's engineer and William Stanley.
A marine board of inquiry was set up to establish the cause of the wreck & concluded the absence of a barometer was a major contributing factor. Wreckage was identified on the Arnhem Land coast some 12 months later. Her loss & location of the wreck remain among northern Australia's abiding maritime mysteries.
It was Zakharow who in August 1924 raised the outrageous claims that two white female survivors were held captive by wild Arnhem Land Aboriginals who had killed the male castaways as they came ashore on the western side of the Gulf of Carpentaria. One of the women had subsequently given birth to a white baby.
A frenzied surge of alarm was raised by the women of Queensland which resulted in the Qld Parliament offering to assist the NT Administration's rescue efforts. Zakharow & crew set out in the Pat to investigate at the request of NT Administrator Mr P. Urquhart. They reportedly learned from, Banaka, an Aboriginal boy in the English Company Islands that a Port Bradshaw man, Keet Parloo, had led a party of Caledon Bay & Port Bradshaw natives in an attack on the survivors of the Douglas Mawson. The women & infant were healthy but well guarded. Zakharow's witnesses were R. Stuart the mate of the Huddersfield; George Tozer the mine's engineer and William Stanley.
A Police Station was established at Mount Alexander with Constables Bridgeland & McNamara. The Government raised the Huddersfield Relief Expedition in August 1924 under M.C. Lovegrove to search for the missing women. Sergeant Stretton arrived at Elcho after the chartered Huddersfield had sailed and his questioning of the informants cast immediate doubt on previous accounts and subsequent press assertions that on the approach of the Huddersfield the women were taken away in canoes. Further evidence by Rev. James Watson and others further discredited Zakharow's claims which had generated considerable amusement among the Yolngu families. Lovegrove concluded that the story of the white women had originated in the arrival of two mission ladies and a baby at Emerald River on Groote Eylandt.
The Douglas Mawson
The original story may have gained traction following the capture of a white woman in Torres Strait after a trepang lugger foundered. She was held as a spirit Queen until eventually she managed to escape and return to civilisation.
The stories of white women were able to persist because of a family at Numbulwar & Ngukurr which has albino genetic propensity. Sunburn is such a threat that these sufferers live a life of unnatural seclusion - the arrival of a vessel would result in everyone dropping everything & rushing down to the beach - from the ship would be seen two white women appearing amongst the throng - they would be pursued and dragged away kicking and screaming out of sight. The family continues to battle to protect its white offspring against the scorching sun in a tradition of exceptional care exemplified by the oldest man in Arnhem Land having had leprosy for well over half a century.
The whole embarrassing episode concluded with the Police Station at Mt Alexander closing the following Dry season. In 1926 after the collapse of the Elcho Island company, Zakharow was at Bickerton Island investigating more bitumen deposits. He reported the murder of an Aboriginal called Timbuck and Assari the Japanese master of the lugger Onyx registered to Willie Howe, the Darwin manager of a Chinese fishing syndicate. The lugger was salvaged by W. (Bill) Harney & HM Foster who took it to East Bay Island off Groote Eylandt. Subsequent testimony by Foster reported that Banaka was one of four Balamumu recruited by Assari to help recover some of his crew whom he had forced to go trepanging at Cape Wilberforce against their will and escaped in a dingy in which they were trying to get back to Groote when they landed on Bickerton Island. Banaka was killed in the affray and it transpired that he had been an employee of Zakharow when he turned informant in the Mawson affair. The public agitation directly fuelled the clamour for a punitive expedition following the death of Constable McColl that in turn led to the arrival Donald Thomson and the of the Peace Expedition which saw the culprits taken to Darwin with the help of Fred Gray of Umbakumba and Alf Dyer of Oenpelli. The famous faux trial and disappearance of the accused Tuckiar. It is a saga of greed, corruption and ineptitude of Federal proportions.
The Elcho Island Naphtha Petroleum Company was affiliated with the Boucaut Bay Company Ltd. and the Junction Bay Mazut Company Ltd. It is a labyrinthine cascade of confidence tricks, wishful thinking and straight deceit involving the wives of politicians accepting shares and funds expended without due process. At last the Prime Minister was forced to speak in the house in defence of his ministers and the government. The Huddersfield ended her days in Darwin harbour and after much time at anchor she eventually sank and being close to the shipping channel she was cleared with charges. The precise location of the wreck is not known.
The stories of white women were able to persist because of a family at Numbulwar & Ngukurr which has albino genetic propensity. Sunburn is such a threat that these sufferers live a life of unnatural seclusion - the arrival of a vessel would result in everyone dropping everything & rushing down to the beach - from the ship would be seen two white women appearing amongst the throng - they would be pursued and dragged away kicking and screaming out of sight. The family continues to battle to protect its white offspring against the scorching sun in a tradition of exceptional care exemplified by the oldest man in Arnhem Land having had leprosy for well over half a century.
The whole embarrassing episode concluded with the Police Station at Mt Alexander closing the following Dry season. In 1926 after the collapse of the Elcho Island company, Zakharow was at Bickerton Island investigating more bitumen deposits. He reported the murder of an Aboriginal called Timbuck and Assari the Japanese master of the lugger Onyx registered to Willie Howe, the Darwin manager of a Chinese fishing syndicate. The lugger was salvaged by W. (Bill) Harney & HM Foster who took it to East Bay Island off Groote Eylandt. Subsequent testimony by Foster reported that Banaka was one of four Balamumu recruited by Assari to help recover some of his crew whom he had forced to go trepanging at Cape Wilberforce against their will and escaped in a dingy in which they were trying to get back to Groote when they landed on Bickerton Island. Banaka was killed in the affray and it transpired that he had been an employee of Zakharow when he turned informant in the Mawson affair. The public agitation directly fuelled the clamour for a punitive expedition following the death of Constable McColl that in turn led to the arrival Donald Thomson and the of the Peace Expedition which saw the culprits taken to Darwin with the help of Fred Gray of Umbakumba and Alf Dyer of Oenpelli. The famous faux trial and disappearance of the accused Tuckiar. It is a saga of greed, corruption and ineptitude of Federal proportions.
The Elcho Island Naphtha Petroleum Company was affiliated with the Boucaut Bay Company Ltd. and the Junction Bay Mazut Company Ltd. It is a labyrinthine cascade of confidence tricks, wishful thinking and straight deceit involving the wives of politicians accepting shares and funds expended without due process. At last the Prime Minister was forced to speak in the house in defence of his ministers and the government. The Huddersfield ended her days in Darwin harbour and after much time at anchor she eventually sank and being close to the shipping channel she was cleared with charges. The precise location of the wreck is not known.
Chinute Chinute Sacred Site
Stokes Hill is home to a Larrakia spirit ancestor in the form of the Tawney Frog Mouthed Owl. It is a registered sacred site.
The WWII Naval Fuel Oil Pump House
An extensive network of oil fuel storage installations was built in Darwin from 1924. The Steam Pump House was built in 1927/1928 for steam driven pumping engines which pumped oil from tankers in the harbour into storage tanks, and from storage into vessels requiring refuelling. The oil used at that time was heavy black bunker oil.
The pumps were first operated in March 1928 when they pumped 7986 tons of Borneo oil from the tanker War Krishna into storage tank Number One. Despite its strategic importance the Pump House was not destroyed during Japanese bombing raids in 1942 and 1943. The pumps were in regular service until the end of World War II when they were progressively replaced by electric pumps. The steam pumps were disconnected from the oil supply lines in 1989, but the pumps and steam engines are still serviceable. (Engineers Australia)
The pumps were first operated in March 1928 when they pumped 7986 tons of Borneo oil from the tanker War Krishna into storage tank Number One. Despite its strategic importance the Pump House was not destroyed during Japanese bombing raids in 1942 and 1943. The pumps were in regular service until the end of World War II when they were progressively replaced by electric pumps. The steam pumps were disconnected from the oil supply lines in 1989, but the pumps and steam engines are still serviceable. (Engineers Australia)
Naval Fuel Oil Depot - 1924 > 2014
In 1924 the Australian Government committed itself to building oil storage facilities in Darwin to replace coal bunkering at Thursday Island. To secure the waters north of Australia, Darwin was to be developed as a naval base. Eleven storage tanks were actually built by 1942. The need to protect them against enemy attack was the catalyst for a dramatic escalation in Darwin’s defences in the 1930’s. However, because of an inadequate appreciation of the risk of air attack, the protection of the tanks against aerial bombing was totally inadequate. During February, March and June 1942 Japanese bombing almost totally destroyed Darwin’s oil storage capacity during a series of savage air raids. This tank (No.6) was bombed during an early air raid however the fires were put out and some of the oil salvaged. Part of the concrete shell of the tank has survived to remind us of those dramatic photographs of huge columns of dense black smoke rising above Darwin as the oil stored in the tanks burned after bombing raids. (Engineers Australia)
The Warrego – coal hulk – NTRS 3335 Charles Wilson images 1924-1932
This image above shows fuel tanks (R>L) I,2,3 & 4 - beside Tank 3 is the bow of the coal hulk Warrego which was entombed when the hill was partially excavated and the area filled as the site of Darwin's Power Station. It is soon to become high rise, high density apartments and may present a fleeting archaeological opportunity. Darwin Railway Station at centre right.
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Map showing Japanese bomb pattern concentrated on the port and fuel storage tanks of which 2 were destroyed.
Warrego. Single screw steamship, 1,552 gross tons, 867 net. Lbd: 250' x 36'2" x 22'8". Steel steamship built by William Doxford & Sons, Sunderland for QSS Co's Australian passenger coastal trade. Designed especially for the 'trade war' with the ASN Co, Of AUSN April 1887. Laid up and sold 1912 to the Royal Australian Navy and converted into a storeship, towed by ss Coolgardie to Darwin, Northern Territory, October 1913. In 1919, a cyclone blew the old ship, with 600 tons of coal on board, high on the beach near the Darwin wharf. 1942 was subjected to Japanese bombing raids. In 1960, her remains lay on the beach at a spot where a landfill was required for a power station. The ship's remnants were simply covered over, remaining hidden there to this day. http://www.flotilla-australia.com/ausn.htm
Old Darwin Power Station
The oil-fired steam power station development commenced in 1962 with two 7.5MW steam turbines and was gradually expanded to eight machines with a total of 141MW by 1980.
The machinery in the station was unusual as all sets were Stal Laval Lungstrom type contra-rotating, radial flow turbines manufactured in Sweden.
The station was poorly designed and unreliable. The heavy fuel oil burned in the boilers became prohibitively expensive and during the 1980’s the Northern Territory Government decided to build a new power station across the harbour at Channel Island. Initial plans were for a coal fired station but natural gas was eventually adopted as the fuel. Stokes Hill Power Station was decommissioned in July 1987. (Engineers Australia)
From the beginning, Stokes Hill Power station was fraught with breakdowns. Darwin was plunged into darkness at least once or twice a week. Several upgrading stages were planned to meet the ever increasing population of Darwin and cater for the new demand for air-conditioning in private, government and business premises.
The last stage was completed in 1977. In 15 years the power station had grown from 15 megawatts to 141 megawatts which was estimated to meet Darwin’s power needs until 1980. In 1981 the Northern Territory Cabinet decided on Channel Island for its close location to Darwin and the rural area. (NT PowerWater Authority) Other opinion holds that Darwin has its power station marooned on an island for less practical reasons.
The machinery in the station was unusual as all sets were Stal Laval Lungstrom type contra-rotating, radial flow turbines manufactured in Sweden.
The station was poorly designed and unreliable. The heavy fuel oil burned in the boilers became prohibitively expensive and during the 1980’s the Northern Territory Government decided to build a new power station across the harbour at Channel Island. Initial plans were for a coal fired station but natural gas was eventually adopted as the fuel. Stokes Hill Power Station was decommissioned in July 1987. (Engineers Australia)
From the beginning, Stokes Hill Power station was fraught with breakdowns. Darwin was plunged into darkness at least once or twice a week. Several upgrading stages were planned to meet the ever increasing population of Darwin and cater for the new demand for air-conditioning in private, government and business premises.
The last stage was completed in 1977. In 15 years the power station had grown from 15 megawatts to 141 megawatts which was estimated to meet Darwin’s power needs until 1980. In 1981 the Northern Territory Cabinet decided on Channel Island for its close location to Darwin and the rural area. (NT PowerWater Authority) Other opinion holds that Darwin has its power station marooned on an island for less practical reasons.
The Old Darwin Railway Station
SLSA - Foelsche B24187-12 Opening of Palmerston - Pine Creek railway, Christening first locomotive "Port Darwin". Train in foreground decorated, engine and carriage crowded with people. Workshops behind. Stokes Hill to right
NTRS-203335-20 Item 16 1924-36 Railway Offices
Frances Bay
The bay is believed to be named for Frances Mary Goyder, the wife of Palmerston's (Darwin) founder - George Woodroffe Goyder
The bay is believed to be named for Frances Mary Goyder, the wife of Palmerston's (Darwin) founder - George Woodroffe Goyder. The 1860s were a difficult decade for Goyder who was responsible for the survey of the Northern Territory, supervising town surveys and the leasing of pastoral land. While away on one of his many trips in 1863, his wife gave birth to twins who died at birth.
Frances never recovered of the loneliness and loss - whilst on holiday in April 1870 Frances died at Bristol in England of an accidental overdose of a prescribed solution of opium. Her sister Ellen Priscilla brought the nine Goyder children back to Australia aboard the City of Adelaide. (Florence 16, George 15, Gertrude 14, Mary 12, Isabella 11, David 8, Alex 6, Frank 5, and Norman 3).
Ellen would subsequently marry George and they had a son and two daughters.
Frances never recovered of the loneliness and loss - whilst on holiday in April 1870 Frances died at Bristol in England of an accidental overdose of a prescribed solution of opium. Her sister Ellen Priscilla brought the nine Goyder children back to Australia aboard the City of Adelaide. (Florence 16, George 15, Gertrude 14, Mary 12, Isabella 11, David 8, Alex 6, Frank 5, and Norman 3).
Ellen would subsequently marry George and they had a son and two daughters.
The Darwin Pearling Fleet
SLSA Foelsche B-24187-25 the Darwin Pearl Fleet 1895
The commercial pearling industry had started in Darwin with the arrival in 1884 of the schooner "Sree pas Sair (SPS)" which had a crew of 60 skindivers from Thursday Island & once been the yacht of Rajah Brooke. Since 1935 it had been the practice for some vessels attached to local pearling fleets to work off the Aru Islands during the Wet and off Bathurst Island during the Dry. Japanese crew had worked on the trepang and pearling luggers out of Darwin for many years for such fleet owners as Captain Edwards. The Japanese were far superior to all others working the pearl shell trade to the extent that the Japanese Government threatened to bar their citizens from indenture upon foreign vessels. There were frequent episodes of violence, principally between Japanese crew and Aboriginal people over women, grog and payments generally but it was not until the arrival of the Japanese fleets with their mother ships that conflict and wholesale exploitation of Arnhem Land Aboriginals in the Reserve could no longer be ignored by Government.
Tokyo Maru No 2 diving on Sanyo Maru 1937
The Japanese Pearling fleet incursions into Top End waters began in 1936 - rapidly becoming a threat to the oyster beds & the health of the locals through the spread of venereal disease.
The sinking of the Japanese mother ship Sanyo Maru off the Liverpool River in 1937 began a frenzy of 3 salvage vessels working day & night to recover the cargo & the contents of the captains safe.
The contents of the safe was likewise the major concern in the sinking of HMAS Patricia Cam. It was believed that Japanese pearl divers were capable of reaching the safe with minimal equipment from a float plane or submarine.
The sinking of the Japanese mother ship Sanyo Maru off the Liverpool River in 1937 began a frenzy of 3 salvage vessels working day & night to recover the cargo & the contents of the captains safe.
The contents of the safe was likewise the major concern in the sinking of HMAS Patricia Cam. It was believed that Japanese pearl divers were capable of reaching the safe with minimal equipment from a float plane or submarine.
Part of the Japanese pearling fleet.
Kaiwo Maru
The Japanese Sail Trainer Kaiwo Maru Darwin 1936 - having been issued with cameras, the cadets were shown and allowed to photograph every Darwin shore defence facility that was so comprehensively bombed six years later. It was a ploy which she successfully repeated at half a dozen ports on the voyage. The Japanese pearling fleet remained outside Darwin harbour reporting the disposition of ships and resources until 1942.
Throughout the war servicemen reported that from a high vantage point during a night raid you could see torches flashing signals to the aircraft - calling the bombers in. Regrettably a great deal of anger was directed at the Chinese despite China bearing the brunt of Japanese savagery.
There were issues with slums & insanitary practices but wholesale destruction was meted out. It is reported that the Fishermen's Temple at Doctor's Gully was actually bombed in the clearance for the Catalina Base - a project is underway to construct a small memorial to the temple, including a replacement of the Prayer Furnace.
Throughout the war servicemen reported that from a high vantage point during a night raid you could see torches flashing signals to the aircraft - calling the bombers in. Regrettably a great deal of anger was directed at the Chinese despite China bearing the brunt of Japanese savagery.
There were issues with slums & insanitary practices but wholesale destruction was meted out. It is reported that the Fishermen's Temple at Doctor's Gully was actually bombed in the clearance for the Catalina Base - a project is underway to construct a small memorial to the temple, including a replacement of the Prayer Furnace.
Captain Haultain & HMAS Larrakia
Captain CTG Haultain's 'Watch off Arnhem Land" details his time as master of the Larrakia in pursuit of the Japanese Pearling fleet during the build up to WWII.
From the early 1930's problems with Japanese expansion gave rise to complaints from missionaries of Japanese crew of Australian luggers interfering with native women and from Australian pearlers seeing their industry vanish before their eyes as Government appeasement prevailed.
Image - AWM HMAS Larrakia being utilised as an Examination Vessel in Darwin in 1939 prior to her commissioning in 1941.
From the early 1930's problems with Japanese expansion gave rise to complaints from missionaries of Japanese crew of Australian luggers interfering with native women and from Australian pearlers seeing their industry vanish before their eyes as Government appeasement prevailed.
Image - AWM HMAS Larrakia being utilised as an Examination Vessel in Darwin in 1939 prior to her commissioning in 1941.
Larrakia was built in England in 1936 for the RAF as a rescue vessel for downed airmen. The design was refined during exhaustive trials in which TE Lawrence (archaeologist, Lawrence of Arabia) was intimately involved when serving incognito as Aircraftsman Shaw. He compiled an operational handbook for motor boat crew.
Larrakia was to serve as an air-sea rescue vessel in support of the QANTAS flying boat service leg between Darwin & Timor and have a dual role patrolling the Top End coast as the Japanese pearling fleet came to dominate the trade and moved from the Tiwi Islands and into the supposedly protected areas off Arnhem Land.
These long-range patrols, through shallow tropical seas, were the obverse of the short, high speed rescue tasks for which she was designed.
Larrakia was to serve as an air-sea rescue vessel in support of the QANTAS flying boat service leg between Darwin & Timor and have a dual role patrolling the Top End coast as the Japanese pearling fleet came to dominate the trade and moved from the Tiwi Islands and into the supposedly protected areas off Arnhem Land.
These long-range patrols, through shallow tropical seas, were the obverse of the short, high speed rescue tasks for which she was designed.
Prior to the Second World War Larrakia was responsible for the apprehension of a number of vessels including a Dutch lugger Wamar and the Takachiho Maru No. 3 which resulted in a controversial case before the Supreme Court in Darwin in which the Japanese pearling master Haruo Kitakoka. Haultain believed that official capitulation was a sign of weakness that greatly encouraged subsequent Japanese aggression.
With the outbreak of war in 1939 Larrakia was utilised by the Royal Australian Navy as a non-commissioned Examination Vessel and to support to the various Army detachments surveying and preparing defence sites around Darwin. On 8 December 1941 she was formally requisitioned and commissioned into the RAN.
She served as a patrol vessel and air-sea rescue launch. Larrakia was based in Darwin for the war and was present during the first and subsequent air raids. She was paid off on 16 February 1944 and as she was no longer required by the Northern Territory administration she was sold on 3 April 1946 to Mr Cochron.
With the outbreak of war in 1939 Larrakia was utilised by the Royal Australian Navy as a non-commissioned Examination Vessel and to support to the various Army detachments surveying and preparing defence sites around Darwin. On 8 December 1941 she was formally requisitioned and commissioned into the RAN.
She served as a patrol vessel and air-sea rescue launch. Larrakia was based in Darwin for the war and was present during the first and subsequent air raids. She was paid off on 16 February 1944 and as she was no longer required by the Northern Territory administration she was sold on 3 April 1946 to Mr Cochron.
HMAS Kuru & The Rear Admiral
HMAS Kuru was a 75ft - 55 ton Patrol Boat 78 for the NT Administrator's launch. She was to have been built in Singapore but as a Government contract there was the usual political pressure with the usual result. She was built in Balmain by Gordon Beattie in 1938 despite his lack of experience in such vessels.
Echoing a familiar Defence acquisition story, Haultain in "Watch off Arnhem Land" writes that in April 1939 - 'On her maiden voyage she had been forced into Townsville on her way to Darwin, with the hull 'hogged' so badly that she was put on the 'slips' for extensive repairs; the cost of these exceeded her building costs, and she never achieved the speeds for which she had been designed......However, when the Navy took her over she redeemed herself, and had her days of glory.'
Echoing a familiar Defence acquisition story, Haultain in "Watch off Arnhem Land" writes that in April 1939 - 'On her maiden voyage she had been forced into Townsville on her way to Darwin, with the hull 'hogged' so badly that she was put on the 'slips' for extensive repairs; the cost of these exceeded her building costs, and she never achieved the speeds for which she had been designed......However, when the Navy took her over she redeemed herself, and had her days of glory.'
She went on to have a fabled war assisting with boom defence on Darwin Harbour, she took part in the response to the sinking of the Don Isidro which grounded off Bathurst Island after Japanese aircraft destroyed her in the run up to the first bombing of Darwin. She ran Z Special commandos into the Japanese occupied islands on what was known as the Timor Ferry Service........."Kuru was the first to be sighted by searching enemy aircraft - forty-four of them dropped over 200 bombs as well as strafing her. Grant threw her violently from side to side and by some extraordinary dispensation of fate all the bombs missed.
One stick of bombs fell so that Kuru fitted neatly between them. The bomb which fell astern scored a direct hit on the barge which she was towing. The concussion set off a chiming clock in the wheelhouse prompting the quartermaster to yell defiantly, 'Good on you, Tojo; you rang the bloody bell. Give the man a cigar." (John Leggoe - Trying to be Sailors')
One stick of bombs fell so that Kuru fitted neatly between them. The bomb which fell astern scored a direct hit on the barge which she was towing. The concussion set off a chiming clock in the wheelhouse prompting the quartermaster to yell defiantly, 'Good on you, Tojo; you rang the bloody bell. Give the man a cigar." (John Leggoe - Trying to be Sailors')
Following the Japanese bombing & sinking of HMAS Patricia Cam in 1943 just north of Elcho Island - HMAS Kuru recovered the 14 survivors and brought them safely back to Darwin.
Three Yolngu men and four crew died as a result of the sinking whilst the Reverend Len Kentish was plucked from the water and taken aboard the flying boat to the Aru Islands where he was beheaded by his captors in a war crime for which the principal offended was hanged. Two of the casualties, Stoker Percy Cameron and a Yolngu from south of Yirrkala, Gitjbapuy, are buried side by side in the Wessels.
Kuru was the Government launch post-war and made an immense contribution to Northern Territory including the discovery of bauxite for aluminium that led to the mining at Gove and creation of the town of Nhulunbuy.
Three Yolngu men and four crew died as a result of the sinking whilst the Reverend Len Kentish was plucked from the water and taken aboard the flying boat to the Aru Islands where he was beheaded by his captors in a war crime for which the principal offended was hanged. Two of the casualties, Stoker Percy Cameron and a Yolngu from south of Yirrkala, Gitjbapuy, are buried side by side in the Wessels.
Kuru was the Government launch post-war and made an immense contribution to Northern Territory including the discovery of bauxite for aluminium that led to the mining at Gove and creation of the town of Nhulunbuy.
Kuru was taken off the register in 1951 & by 1952 was partly dismantled near Hornibrooks slipway on Dinah Beach when world famous artist Ian Fairweather took up residence in the aft section. He had previously moved out of a cement mixer into a derelict railway carriage at Frances Bay.
On the back-end of the bombed and beached and half-demolished WWII supply-boat the name Kuru still stands proud. Stars thrash through the frayed nets draping its severed deck. In the chart room the painter fumbles for a match, lights and pumps the Tilley.
Gas flares, darkness scuttles to the vault. I know this Spartan space: the sagging table, mismatched paint jars, pencil stubs, battered yellow biscuit tin full of broken chalk and charcoal, zinc tubes tightly rolled so not a smear is wasted and alongside sea-charts, pinned on every section of the splintered walls, calligraphy so tactile I could read it like Braille, worlds of black and white and breathing grey lit by under-painted colour. Fairweather’s shadow crabs across the wall. He fills the kettle from a metal bucket and strikes another match—as if the flame will keep at bay the questions he won’t answer.
On the back-end of the bombed and beached and half-demolished WWII supply-boat the name Kuru still stands proud. Stars thrash through the frayed nets draping its severed deck. In the chart room the painter fumbles for a match, lights and pumps the Tilley.
Gas flares, darkness scuttles to the vault. I know this Spartan space: the sagging table, mismatched paint jars, pencil stubs, battered yellow biscuit tin full of broken chalk and charcoal, zinc tubes tightly rolled so not a smear is wasted and alongside sea-charts, pinned on every section of the splintered walls, calligraphy so tactile I could read it like Braille, worlds of black and white and breathing grey lit by under-painted colour. Fairweather’s shadow crabs across the wall. He fills the kettle from a metal bucket and strikes another match—as if the flame will keep at bay the questions he won’t answer.
Fairweather earned the handle "The Rear Admiral" for his habitation of Kuru's rear end and became a celebrated Darwin character. Determined to escape, he constructed a raft out of aircraft drop tanks & parachutes from the tip. In Amorales, his unpublished manuscript of the journey he describes the raft's construction as reported by Dael Allison:- 'He built the triangular frame from mangrove timber and worm-eaten boards and other flotsam he found along the beaches. To this he bolted three rusting torpedo-shaped aircraft fuel drop-tanks sourced from the tip.
A self-confessed junk addict, instead of purchasing material for the sail he used two old food parachutes also found at the tip. Made of hessian they were already rotting. He pieced them together into a square sail with a hole in the middle and ribs like a sunburst, similar to his family crest. A good omen, he felt. Bolts, rope & bits of clothes-line held the whole assemblage together. For navigation he had a wrist compass. He provisioned with dried bread, milk and oats, sixteen cans of tinned meat and two four gallon kerosene tins and launched his tiny makeshift raft at night to avoid interference from the authorities.'
On the night of 29th April 1952 - at the age of 60 - he slipped out of Darwin harbour to begin his spam fuelled trip to Dili. As with Percy Cameron, he was officially & erroneously listed as "Lost at Sea" & an obituary published.
A self-confessed junk addict, instead of purchasing material for the sail he used two old food parachutes also found at the tip. Made of hessian they were already rotting. He pieced them together into a square sail with a hole in the middle and ribs like a sunburst, similar to his family crest. A good omen, he felt. Bolts, rope & bits of clothes-line held the whole assemblage together. For navigation he had a wrist compass. He provisioned with dried bread, milk and oats, sixteen cans of tinned meat and two four gallon kerosene tins and launched his tiny makeshift raft at night to avoid interference from the authorities.'
On the night of 29th April 1952 - at the age of 60 - he slipped out of Darwin harbour to begin his spam fuelled trip to Dili. As with Percy Cameron, he was officially & erroneously listed as "Lost at Sea" & an obituary published.
"It soon proved essentially un-sailable and Fairweather abandoned the weighty and useless centreboard. As the triangular deck—just under ten feet (three metres) at its longest—was too unstable to stand on, he had to lie down or sit leaning against the mast. The deck was constantly awash: "I was soaked and very cold. My fingers were swollen, I still had not learnt how to fix the rudder and sail so that the raft would steer itself and I could … scarcely hold the ropes. It was not until the eleventh day that I hit on the combination and so got some much needed rest" (Abbott-Smith, 1978: 109).
His eyes were the worst of the suffering: "They were so painful that, in the end, I could not look at anything in the sunlight or even the stars at night. I had to steer by lying face down and watching the needle of the compass which I shaded with my hand" (ibid.: 110).
Sixteen days of isolation, a journey that was an extreme test of physical endurance, yet the minimalist Fairweather said he drank only half of the water he took and still had food left when he landed on Roti (The Straits Times: 9 August1952).
Fairweather ended his days in a humpy on Bribie Island, never having made it back to Scotland, the land of his birth. The Darwin Museum & Art Gallery commemorates Fairweather's adventure with an informed walk & as with Narritjin - one of the Pat Cam Yolngu survivors - by displaying many of his works.
His eyes were the worst of the suffering: "They were so painful that, in the end, I could not look at anything in the sunlight or even the stars at night. I had to steer by lying face down and watching the needle of the compass which I shaded with my hand" (ibid.: 110).
Sixteen days of isolation, a journey that was an extreme test of physical endurance, yet the minimalist Fairweather said he drank only half of the water he took and still had food left when he landed on Roti (The Straits Times: 9 August1952).
Fairweather ended his days in a humpy on Bribie Island, never having made it back to Scotland, the land of his birth. The Darwin Museum & Art Gallery commemorates Fairweather's adventure with an informed walk & as with Narritjin - one of the Pat Cam Yolngu survivors - by displaying many of his works.
Captured & Burnt Indonesian Fishing Boats
For a decade from the mid 1990's Indonesian boats were burned at Frances Bay and elsewhere around Darwin Harbour to counter illegal fishing and immigration from a wide variety of countries. Image at top left shows a vessel containing 14 Kurds who arrived off Melville Island. In another breach of border security a boatload of illegals moored off Nightcliff, walked up the boat ramp and phoned for a taxi to Casuarina. Initially some vessels were sold but their increasing numbers, putrid and worm-ridden condition added to their burning as a visual message & deterrent.
The Future of Frances Bay
The Duck Pond
- The Chief Minister has announced that Frances Bay is to be revitalised into an exciting waterfront precinct for tourists, locals and boaties.
- The Territory Government has begun a market sounding process to gauge private interest in redeveloping the Frances Bay basin.
- The Duck pond is the heart of the commercial fishing industry fishing industry and will be turned into an attractive harbour-side destination where visitors can enjoy a drink, meal or catch a cruise. Frances Bay would support fishing, tourism and harbour-side living while creating new jobs for Territorians.
- The ‘Gobi Desert’ is reclaimed land and developers will be able to consider further reclamation.
- The city council’s Darwin City Centre Master Plan envisages an enhanced marina in the area.
- The Duck pond has 85 berths and is at capacity during the wet season, so expanding facilities in Frances Bay is a priority.
A Peter Hodgson photograph of the Duck pond
Maybe some footage like this or drone Myilli Point to Frances Bay -