| Photographs: | None |
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| List: | Register of the National Estate |
| Class: | Historic |
| Legal Status: | Indicative Place |
| Place ID: | 101087 |
| Place File No: | 1/13/026/0016 |
| Nominator's Statement of Significance: |
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| We wish to make a Composite Statement of Significance for the Middle Head and Georges Heights Site. We believe that the nominatd site has cultural significance for all Australians because of its Aboriginal/archaelogical, historical/social, and natural/aethetic values. We understand that the term 'cultural significance' refers to those qualities which make a place important because they help us to understand the past and enrich our lives now as well as enriching the lives of future generations. We understand that the fabric of the place should not be altered if cultural significance is to be maintained. It is a site that tell many stories: human and non-human, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, historic and pre-historic, public and private. It can be read in such a way as to tell us the story of our past: individual past, cultural past, species past and geological past. Because of its material existence there in front of us, it helps us to a perception of 'the past as one of the qualities of presently existing things' (Bernard Smith) and to a perception of how our human community is located within the total environment. With a true understanding of this we might better resolve the conflicts which arise between a culture of 'resourcism' and nature in Australia. The site has immense archaeological value because a proper investigation would reveal a great deal about the aboriginal pre-history of the area, of which very little is currently understood. This knowledge in turn would have implications for the study of how mankind as a species has responded in the past to climate change. It also is an important archaeological site for Aboriginal post-contact history and the very early history of the colony. On this site the very first friendly encounters between Aborigines and Europeans took place. The historical value of the site derives largely from its use by the military. Since the Army first established itself on the site in 1802 it has been modified according to different perceptions of the threat of war at the time. Therefore, the site shows how successive generations have perceived Australia's place in the world. The Australian Heritage Commission and National Trust already list many of the individual military buildings. The social value stems from the presence of many servicemen, who spent a great amount of time there, many servicemen who never returned to Australia again. The site has aesthetic value as being a landscape of great scenic beauty when viewed from different aspects. It also provides views from within out over the water and to adjacent landmasses that are unique. It is only here that one can view the entire panorama of Sydney Harbour, from Manly to the CBD and out through the heads! It is also important as natural habitat, providing a refuge within a largely built-up environment for flora and fauna and people! Apart from values decribed, the site has significance under some of the Australian Heritage Commission's 'national themes' such as educating and governing; for instance the Australian School of Pacific Administration was established there in 1946. In conclusion, we stronly believe that it is necessary to preserve the essential fabric of the site as essential to its cultural significance. We believe that the site as a whole should be listed on the Register of the National Estate. |
| Official Values: Not Available |
| Description: |
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BACKGROUND Middle Head and Georges Heights were formed by the action of Parramatta River and its tributaries cutting down through the sandstone of the Sydney Plateau over the past 12 million years. The flooding of the river valley when sea levels rose to their current level some 6000 years ago formed Sydney Harbour and the features that can be seen today. Middle Head and Georges Heights have significant associations with the science of botany and the study of eucalypts in Australia. A number of early eucalypt specimens were collected at Middle Head by botanists including Robert Brown in 1802, Ferdinand Von Mueller in 1855, Joseph Henry Maiden in 1897, and William S. Blakely in 1937. Middle Head has featured in paintings of the Sydney Heads by many artists including Augustus Earle c.1825 and in photographic works by Holtermann c.1875. Middle Head and Georges Heights have been a significant part of the cultural and social life of the colony of NSW as part of the backdrop to the harbour and as major defence sites. Defence reserves have played a major role in the development of Sydney Harbour's landscapes. The defences of Port Jackson, and hence Sydney Harbour and MIddle Head and Georges Heights have developed in five broad phases, subject to changes in ordnance, accompanied by strong urban growth in the 1880s and post World War Two rationalisation of defence activity from the 1950s. Phase 1: 1788-1839 The first fortifications were constructed at Bennelong Point in 1788 under Governor Phillip. Later that year a battery was constructed at Dawes Point covering the entrances to Sydney Cove. As might be expected in the early 1800s any threat was seen as coming from the sea. Following a warning from Sir Joseph Banks during the early years of the Napoleonic Wars, Governor King constructed a battery between Georges Head and Middle Head in 1802 which remained the most forward battery in Sydney's defences until the 1850s. This site was chosen for its strategic position at the entrance to Port Jackson. The disadvantage of the site was its isolation and distance from Sydney. Middle Head was occupied for uses other than defence as early as 1815 with Governor Macquarie attempting unsuccessfully to form an Aboriginal settlement on Middle Head. By 1828 the area was described as King Bungaree's Farm; this appears to have failed but in 1841 the area of Georges Head was described as Bungaree's orchard. Bungaree had been appointed Chief of the Broken Bay tribes by the Governor. During the 1820s whaling ships used Chowder Bay for shore based whaling operations. In 1839 the British government admitted that the harbour was defenceless, following the arrival of two American warships at night, and a number of reports into Harbour defences were commissioned. Phase 2: 1839-1877 A report by Captain G Barney led to the construction of defences on Pinchgut Island (now Fort Denison) and Bradley's Head but this work ceased in 1842. The first comprehensive plan for the defence of Sydney Harbour, made by Lt Colonel J Gordon in 1845, recognised the defence potential of the headlands near the entrance of the harbour. The 'Gordon' scheme was implemented in 1847 setting in motion a two line defence system with the inner line at Sydney Cove and Georges Head as part of an outer line of defence. The Crimean War of 1853-56 accelerated the selection of sites for defensive purposes. Sites selected at Middle Head and Inner South Head, with work undertaken 1853-1855, were designed to command the entrance to the harbour, the shipping channels and the area to seawards of the Heads. These works ceased in 1855 with the arrival of Sir William Denison. The experience of the American Civil War restated the need for heavier weapons and more secure emplacements; the casemate principle was used on open sites with circular gun pits in more protected areas. In 1855 Denison submitted a report which stressed that the inner defences were more important. Subsequently works were concentrated in the inner harbour and Fort Denison was completed. To assist in navigation of the channel near the Sow and Pigs Reef two obelisks were constructed above Obelisk Bay in 1858. In 1862 the British government resolved that colonies with responsible government should bear the cost of their own defence. During the 1860s a Royal Commission investigated the state of the colony's defences and by 1870 the last British (Imperial) line regiment had left Australia. The Defence Committee of September 1870 recommended the construction of batteries on Middle Head and Georges Head as well as Bradley's Head, Steel Point and South Head. The 1870-1876 program concentrated on an outer line of defences with batteries erected on Middle Head and Georges Heights as well as South Head. A major development in 1872 was the formation of the Engineer Corps of NSW which was to assist in the works. Plans were drawn up in the Office of the Colonial Architect James Barnet, with construction starting in 1871. Most of this work was executed by 1876 including the military roads. At Outer Middle Head circular emplacements were excavated for seven 68 pounders with underground magazines and trenches completed by 1872. At Georges Heights three separate batteries (B42, A83, A84, C9a) were commenced in 1871; one to house 5x68 pounders with an associated barracks; one to house 2x10 inch guns; and one to house 2x9 inch 12 ton RML guns. The new Rock Casemate Battery of 1872 -76 at Georges Head, equipped with 10" SB (smooth bore) guns, was designed to operate in conjunction with a series of booms and submarine mine fields. The Outer Middle Head Battery was commenced in January 1871 with at least 8 gun pits completed by 1874; this site was modified during the 1880s to accommodate larger 10" 25 ton guns resulting in the loss of four of the earlier gun pits. The Inner Middle Head Battery was functional by 1881. Between 1871 and 1890 the barracks area of Middle Head was developed and a defensive moat constructed across the headland separating the battery from the barracks. An outer moat was also built across the headland separating the entire installation, barracks and battery, from the headland. To support the development of defences, soldiers barracks were erected in 1872 at Georges Head; Barracks No.1 was erected in 1876 with Barracks No 2 completed in 1880. The lower barracks for Submarine Miners at Chowder Bay was equipped with outhouses and by 1877 the Officers Quarters were in place. The fortifications were connected by roads; the road to Middle Head, Military Road, was commenced in 1870 and finished by 1871. These military roads became the main thoroughfares for the area linking the ferry landings and foreshores. During the 1870s Richard Harnett organised the formation of many of the roads of Mosman. Phase 3: 1877-1900 British fortifications expert General Sir William Jervois RE (Royal Engineers) was appointed governor of South Australia in 1877. Sir William Jervois and Lt Colonel Peter Scratchley inspected each colony's defences leading to the Jervois-Scratchley reports which were to form the basis of defence planning in Australia for the next 30 years. The reorganisation of the batteries on Middle Head and Georges Head and South Head between 1885 and 1890 resulted from their reports in which the need for better designed defences and for torpedoes or submarine mines was stressed. In 1878 submarine mine observing stations were constructed on Green Point, Inner South Head and Georges Head. Recommendations made 1877-1885 included the construction of the above ground Armoured Casemate in 1882 at Georges Head, completed in 1886 under the direction of Colonel Scratchley. By 1889 defence areas on Middle and Georges Heads were clearly defined as resumed by the Crown for defence purposes. Technical developments in the 1880s resulted in changes to the fortifications of Sydney Harbour including telephone lines during the late 1880s and the construction of a Submarine Miners Observing Station in 1890 at Chowder Bay. The Submarine Mining facility was completed in 1893. This included the conversion of battery A84 into a submarine mines firing station between 1889-1892. The Hidden (pit) Guns of the 1880s were generally replaced in the 1890s, as a matter of policy, by Quick Firing Gun mounted in deep open concrete emplacements. Such emplacements were constructed on Georges Heights and Middle (and South) Head, remaining the standard form until after World War Two. Nordenfeldt Gun Emplacements were installed at North & South Obelisk in January 1893 and at Georges Head North & South in 1894. The office of Colonial Architect J Barnet was responsible for much of the new works. The struggle between Lieut. Colonel de Wolski of the Engineers and J Barnet in 1886 over defects in execution and design led to Barnet's retirement and the need to upgrade defences over the next 20 years. The road to Cobblers Beach apears to have been established c.1890. Caretakers Quarters were erected in 1890 at Georges Head. A guard house, kitchen, canteen, general store (Old School of Gunnery) and latrines completed the layout by 1899. The development of defence facilities was mirrored by the subdivision of land along Military road in the 1880s. By July 1884 the North Shore Ferry Co was providing a regular ferry service to the city. This active subdivision continued in the 1890s with the Municipality of Mosman established in 1893. Balmoral Beach had been dedicated as a Public Reserve in 1878. During the 1880s and 1890s the headland areas provided recreational and viewing areas. Phase 4 1900-1945 By 1903 the most important defence works in the harbour were concentrated on Georges Heights, Middle Head and South Head. Supporting structures by 1903 included Sergeant Majors quarters, cool store, artificers workshop, Quarter Masters store, machine gun shed, women's wash house, huts, an ashphalt (drill) yard, four married quarters, a married sergeants quarters, a laboratory for filling cartridges and an artillery store. The only known changes to have occurred in the batteries at Georges Heights between the 1890s and WW1 included the installation of two 6 inch guns at battery B42 between 1903 and 1907; this required the infilling of the open gun pits. Battery A84 stayed as a firing station for the minefield, while battery A83 kept its 6 inch pneumatic disappearing guns. Two other batteries were decommissioned. A Commanding Officers Station was associated with the Outer Middle Head Battery and in 1917 plans were drawn up for construction of a Battery Commanders Station fitted with directional range finding. Search and Beam Lights had been installed by 1903. Minor changes were made to fortifications during WW1 when the army bases were used for administration, training, mobilisation and supply purposes, with the guns manned. Towards the end of WW1 a weatherboard military hospital was established at Georges Heights. Community growth in Mosman was rapid after the First World War. In 1906 the 'pleasure ground' on the Clifton Estate, Chowder Bay, was purchased by Sydney Ferries Ltd and a circular, offshore swimming pool added with space for over 3,000 spectators. This facility was mirrored by the 1904 Balmoral Beach 'Mosman Septic Tank' which in 1927 was converted into a swimming pool. The pool or 'baths' were used as commercial swimming baths by the Cavill family until 1940 when resumed by the Navy and incorporated into HMAS Penguin. The Cavill family are reputed to have developed the 'Australian Crawl' swimming stroke. By 1917 Rawson Park had been established on part of the Defence reserve areas for public use. In 1923 two portions of military land were leased to Mosman Council and Mosman Golf Club for public recreation. The golf club on 59 acres was a Clifton Gardens initiative having been founded in the Clifton Gardens Hotel at Chowder Bay. A nine-hole golf course was cleared and a club house built for the 300 members overlooking Middle Harbour. The club operated until 1940 when it was resumed by Defence for development of a naval hospital and other naval facilities as part of HMAS Penguin. The Submarine Miners Corps ended in 1922, the A84 battery remaining a fortress command post until 1934. Other developments included the installation of anti torpedo boat guns during the 1920s following the re-armament of Singapore by Britain. This type of gun was also mounted on Georges Head and Obelisk Point to guard the anti-submarine net between Green Point and Georges Head. Little work was subsequently carried out until the 1930s when a new gun battery was formed on North Head and a number of brick housing units built at Chowder Bay and Georges Heights. The only fixed armaments at Georges Heights in 1939 were two 6 inch guns at battery B42; these were soon moved to South Head. Defences were improved during the Second World War when Middle Head and Georges Heights were important barracks and administration centres for the military, as well as defensive fortifications for the harbour. Barracks were constructed at Middle Head and Georges Heights at this time. Additional rapid-fire guns were erected at Obelisk Point and Georges Head to provide covering fire for the Anti-Submarine Boom from Green Point to Georges Head. Similar guns were erected at Inner Middle Head to cover the northern channel. In 1942 the Navy's refuelling storage tanks at Chowder bay, erected in the 1930s, were, with a similar facility on Garden Island, camouflaged by the erection of pitched roofs above the tanks. The only significant defence action in the harbour was the Japanese midget submarine raid in 1943. Radio monitoring equipment at the Middle Head Barracks intercepted the transmissions of the submarines alerting defence. Defence installations on Middle and Georges Heads failed to identify the attackers, although one of the submarines was caught in the anti-submarine net. The naval 'school' installation HMAS Penguin, commissioned in 1942, has operated on the northern edge of the headland since 1945. In 1945 Italian prisoners of war were housed in the barracks above Obelisk Bay. Phase 5 1945-PRESENT By 1946 the almost obsolete military fortifications and barracks were being rationalised. One group of barracks was handed over to the Department of Foreign Affairs to house the newly formed School of Pacific Administration, intended to train officers to work as administrators in the Pacific and Asian Islands. This school (AUSAID) played an important role in International Affairs over the next 40 years. The School of Military Intelligence took over part of Middle Head Barracks, using the fortifications for their training activities during the Vietnam War of the 1960s. In 1948 the Military Board decided to maintain a regular coastal artillery unit when Obelisk Section were returned to full serviceability. In 1948 the Police requested use of the area for its wireless receiving station. However, from 1962 the role of the coastal artillery defences was considered to be outmoded. In 1965 the army constructed 47 houses for personnel along Middle Head Road at Georges Heights, adding to the prefabricated Riley-Newsum houses erected for the Navy. The Naval Base at Balmoral developed rapidly into the 1960s with training schools established from 1951 to 1964 when it was the main submarine base in Sydney harbour. The Diving and Hydrographic Survey teams have had a long and close relationship with the base and continue to utilise the 'septic tank' pools. The increasing role of recreation in the defence forces was expressed in the construction of the Georges Heights and Naval ovals. In 1979 parts of the headland were included in the newly formed Sydney Harbour National Park. The transfer excluded the Naval Base, HMAS Penguin, the 10th Terminal Squadron buildings, the School of Pacific Administration (AusAid Training Centre), the Army Maritime School at Chowder Bay and the majority of the Army headquarters training command and accommodation facilities at Georges Heights. By the 1980s units had been dismantled or converted with relocation of all Defence operations imminent. The Battery for Five Guns at Georges Heights was partially excavated and 2 contemporary guns c.1873 installed on replica carriages by defence personnel in 1997-1998. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Middle and Georges Heads are contiguous sandstone headlands on the western side of the main channel of Sydney Harbour surrounded by cliffs averaging 20 metres in height. The headlands are comprised primarily of Hawkesbury Sandstone and the soils overlying this parent material are shallow, easily eroded, infertile quartz sands. The headland areas comprise a relict cultural landscape articulated by one of the most diverse collections of coastal defence heritage in Australia set amidst remnant native vegetation which extends in places from the high water level into developed areas. The vegetation of is dominated by a mature bangalay (E. BOTRYOIDES), smooth-barked apple (A. costata) and red bloodwood (EUCALYPTUS GUMMIFERA) woodland with a dense shrub understorey. Because the absence of fire in recent decades, sweet pittosporum (PITTOSPORUM UNDULATUM) now dominates the vegetation at Middle Head. Sydney Harbour National Park has a reasonably comprehensive fauna list, with 129 species of birds, 1 frog, 11 reptiles and 8 mammals. Birds recorded at Middle Head include the whistling kite (HALIASTUR SPHENURUS), rufous fantail (RHIPIDURA RUFIFRONS) and the brown gerygone (GERYGONE MOUKI). Short-beaked echidnas (TACHYGLOSSUS ACULEATUS) have also been recorded at Middle Head. The headland areas are administered by the Department of Defence and the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NSW NP & WS) The National Park areas comprise foreshore and headland areas at Chowder Bay and Middle and Obelisk Bay, not required by Defence in recent years; these areas retain remnant native vegetation. The remaining Defence areas are connected by Middle Head Road which terminates at Middle Head in Governor's and Old Fort roads and at Chowder Bay via Chowder Bay Road. These defence areas retain pockets of native vegetation with introduced species identifying more developed areas. The relict cultural landscape fabric is described in two sections; Defence and NSW NP & WS management, archival and archaeological studies, naming has been used where appropriate. 1) Defence areas No evidence of King Bungaree's farm appears to remain above surface, although it is possible that there are archaeological remains. Indigenous rock carvings and engravings recorded in the nineteenth century do not appear to have been identified. Remnant vegetation persists along the steeper boundary areas. The contribution of Defence to the cultural landscapes includes the following areas and fabric. Precinct and area names reflect current usage and the 1998 Heritage Assessment by Godden Mackay Logan. a) Georges Heights Currently comprises 8th Brigade Headquarters, Head Quarters Training Command, 30 Terminal Squadron, gun emplacements and batteries and nineteenth century military buildings. - 8th Brigade Headquarter is adjacent to Rawson Park at the western end of the defence area. The site includes the regionally significant 1914 former Mosman Drill Hall and several locally significant weatherboard structures. The Drill Hall in its location is important for its ability to illustrate the political and social role of drill halls in the community in the years preceding the First World War. - 30 Terminal Squadron occupies the ridge above Obelisk Bay at its narrowest point. Structures include a c.1890 corrugated iron, paired gable roofed shed used to house guns, a corrugated asbestos HQ building of c.1918 and a range of weatherboard structures including the All Ranks Club, Orderly Room and a small weatherboard Gardeners cottage. Supporting buildings include a range of associated buildings executed in brick, cgi and weatherboard. - Headquarters Training Command lies to the north-east of Suakim Drive. The complex includes single storey buildings and structures dating predominantly to WW1 and WW2 centred on Best Avenue. A single storey weatherboard cottage A6-8 of c.1890 and a range of former Hospital buildings c.1914, which together represent a purpose built military hospital of 1914. To the north-east the irregularly shaped asphalt parade ground utilises part of battery A83 as the site for the Flagpole. - The eastern areas of Georges Heights are defined by four known areas of fortification comprising gun batteries A83, A84, B42 and C9a. Batteries A83 and A84 were the first constructed at Georges Heights between 1871-1874. A84 was initially equipped with four 80 pound guns plus two 68 pound guns whilst A83 was initially equipped with two 10 inch 18 ton guns. A83 battery is largely an underground structure with above ground features limited to circular in ground concrete roofs to the gun pits, two entrances to the complex, brick walled observation post and metal gratings to the ventilation shafts. Developed in three phases the complex retains its underground passages, gunpowder magazine and gun pits relatively intact complete with many internal fittings which illustrate the working of the battery; in this respect it is the only battery on the headland areas with timber fittings in place. A84 battery (separately listed on the RNE at File No. 1/13/026/0002) was built as a five-gun battery with a sixth emplacement added on completion in 1873. Modified 1889-1892 to become a Submarine Mines Firing and Observation Post in which form it remained until 1934; in this phase the four northern gun pits were infilled and the zig-zag passages roofed with concrete supported by iron girders. Largely abandoned since 1934 a casualty station was established in the tunnels in the late 1930s in the former magazine. The complex is connected with the Officers Mess/Barracks complex via a sloping passageway cut into the sandstone. The site was stripped of its fittings post WW2. The gun pits retain their glacis relatively intact and feature dated dedication panels. B42 was first established in 1877 as a battery for two 9 inch, 12 ton RML guns. Removed in 1889 they were replaced by two 80-pound RML guns. Between 1903-1907 the battery was substantially modified to accommodate two 6-inch Breech loading guns. The battery consists of two above ground gun emplacements set behind and linked by a concrete roadway. The emplacement retains substantially intact the underground levels which include the main gallery, powder magazine, cartridge stores, shell hoist chamber access stairs and pump chamber. All passages to the underground sections have flat concrete roofs supported by rivetted iron girders. C9a at the junction of Suakim Drive and Commonwealth Avenue appears to have been excavated 1870-1888. Only the pecked sandstone glacis of one gun pit is visible at ground level; the evidence suggests there may have been more than one. This site requires further survey work. - Nineteenth century military buildings include the WRAAC Officers Mess associated with battery A84 and Gunshot Alley at the junction of Suakim Drive and Commonwealth Avenue. The WRAAC Officers Mess (separately listed on the RNE at File No. 1/13/026/0003) was built in 1873 to a design by the Colonial Architects Office under James Barnet. The complex consists of an ashlar sandstone Victorian Georgian style building roofed with cgi set in an excavated sandstone flagged terrace with steep rock faces to the rear and sides. The single storey, hipped roof section, to the front, was extended c.1891 by Lt.Col. de Wolski by the addition of a two storeyed gabled section at the rear with a central break front section. On the rear wall of the terrace seepage is collected in a number of rock cut tanks. On the harbour side a loopholed wall with central narrow approach stairs and projecting flanking small arms bastions supports the lower section of the terrace. The date 1873 appears on the terrace wall and on the corner pavilions of the single storey Officers Mess. Iron doors protect the lower entrance. Gunshot Alley; built 1898-1900 by the Royal Engineers to provide accommodation for married soldiers employed in the construction of defences in the Middle Head area. Terraced form typical of army housing of the 1890s. Exterior and cross walls of brick with internal walls in timber; gabled pitched roofs with the end houses returned as hipped forms to enclose the verandah on the north side. Timber skillions to the rear accommodated bathroom, laundry and store. The single storey building has been adapted to provide office accommodation. b) HMAS Penguin The Naval base comprises 4 complexes and a range of small weatherboard buildings. Items of significance include a complex of weatherboard buildings adjacent to the wharf, the Post Office and Naval Hospital and the 1914 Mosman sewage tanks now a swimming/training pool. Items of local significance include a steel-framed diving complex and a range of brick administrative, accommodation and mess buildings in addition to the Navy Oval. c) Middle Head AUSAID Training Centre, formerly Middle Head barracks comprises Defence vernacular timber and galvanised iron huts characteristic of the 1939-45 period. 10 Terminal Regiment: comprises a range of post -war buildings including c.1958 brick buildings, formerly military intelligence, and three 2-3 storey weather board dormitories. d) Chowder Bay Barracks (Army Maritime School) Constructed 1890-93 to provide accommodation, storage and operational facilities for the NSW Submarine Corps trained to lay electrically operated mines across the harbour. Preliminary plans were supplied by Major Penrose to the colonial Architects Office but the work was transferred to Lt.Col. de Wolski of the Royal Engineers in 1889. The complex developed as a series of terraces connecting Chowder Bay Road with the wharf on the western, sheltered side of the headland (the complex is listed separately in detail on the RNE at File No. 1/13/026/0008). Significant structures include the sandstone Mine Store and two storey weatherboard Drill Hall and Classroom of 1890-93, one and two storey weatherboard classroom buildings, workshops and stores of c.1915, a detonator test room/pit and two magazines, an inclined trolley way, wharf and iron railings, a cable pond, a weatherboard boat shed, underground 4,000 gallon fresh water tanks at the rear of the Mines Store to supply shipping and personnel, the Sergeant Majors Married Quarters of 1891, a timber jetty and a Nordenfeldt gun emplacement of 1894. e) Other Defence Housing Defence Housing Authority housing in use represents a number of phases in the development of the headland areas: - the 1925 former Golf Clubhouse constructed in sandstone in the Bungalow style; - 1930s brick residences (5) on Suakim Drive/Commonwealth Avenue characteristic of Defence construction in red brick during the 1930s; - Naval cottages on Commonwealth Avenue and associated with the re-fuelling facility at Chowder Bay. These are a prefabricated Riley-Newsum houses manufactured in Britain following the shortage of labour and materials c.1950. - a range of Defence housing in brick built from c.1960 to 1990 which illustrates the increasingly domestic nature of defence housing. f) Navy Refuelling Depot The refuelling depot comprises 2 in use fuel tanks and 3 c,1930 roofed storage tanks with associated pumps, fire fighting equipment and a 1930s Naval Caretakers Cottage on-shore with an off-shore refuelling facility. The complex includes, in the roofed storage tanks, the first large-scale example of camouflage in Australia. g) Recreational Reserves Georges Heights Oval and Navy Oval are managed by Mosman Council and remain in use as recreational and sports ovals. Reserve areas and ovals continue to be used by the local communities and Defence for sport and recreation. (CONTINUED UNDER CONDITION FIELD) |
| History: Not Available |
| Condition and Integrity: |
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PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION (continued) 2) NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service areas comprise the Chowder Bay and Middle Head and Obelisk Bay areas of Sydney Harbour National Park, listed in the RNE at File No.: 1/12/041/0097. The vegetation of Middle Head is dominated by a mature bangalay (E. BOTRYOIDES) and red bloodwood (EUCALYPTUS GUMMIFERA) woodland with a dense shrub understorey. Because the absence of fire in recent decades, sweet pittosporum (PITTOSPORUM UNDULATUM) now dominates the vegetation at Middle Head. Sydney Harbour National Park has a reasonably comprehensive fauna list, with 129 species of birds, 1 frog, 11 reptiles and 8 mammals. Birds recorded at Middle Head include the whistling kite (HALIASTUR SPHENURUS), rufous fantail (RHIPIDURA RUFIFRONS) and the brown gerygone (GERYGONE MOUKI). Short-beaked echidnas (TACHYGLOSSUS ACULEATUS) have also been recorded at Middle Head. Whilst the majority of this vegetation occurs within national park areas it is not restricted to them and grades into Defence land. Historical fabric within the Middle Head National Park area is as follows. a) Inner Middle Head and Outer Middle Head (Gojak 1993 complexes 5,6,7,9) The structures are arranged in three main groups: - Outer Middle Head Battery (separately listed at RNE File No. 1/13/026/0004) New defensive positions chosen in 1853 were never completed; evidence of this remains in place at the south east corner of Middle Head in the form of an arc cut in the bedrock with a shallow sloping glacis (MH2). Work begun in 1871, formed the basis of later works. The 1871 battery (MH3) was arranged in a an arc with 7 or 8 circular gun pits (now modified), a two roomed magazine (MH62) set in a barrel vaulted chamber survives substantially intact. Two shell stores (MH60, 61) appear to have been added c.1880. The battery relied on line of sight for potential targets. The original battery was strengthened by the addition of a four gun emplacement to the west in 1877. Later guns were larger requiring changes to the gun pits and surrounds. The formerly open passageways to the 1871 emplacements slope down into the gun pits their concrete roofs supported by rivetted iron girders placed in the 1880s when the 1871 gun pits were replaced by two larger 10 " 25 ton units in 1882 (MH55, 56) built around a complex of rooms and passages in mass concrete which incorporated earlier spaces. In 1889 these larger guns were again updated but the emplacements do not appear to have been adapted. Range-Finding was effected by two stations, MH119 and MH120, the information being fed back to the battery command post MH10 located between the two guns. The Command Post site is now filled with concrete. The 1877 gun emplacement was served by a separate range finding station MH13; in 1892 the 80 pounder gun pits were cut deeper to provide better protection but remained essentially unchanged in layout, and unroofed. Two searchlights installed at this time are clearly identifiable (MH18, MH17) as are the remains of an underground power room (MH23) in which power was generated using a steam engine. Water for the steam engine was provided by an underground tank (MH122). New guns (MH57, MH58) installed in 1911 marked the end of major changes to the main battery. A new magazine, essentially intact, between the two guns rendered the former passageways and rooms obsolete. During the 1930s the steam engine was replaced by mains power and the searchlight system largely abandoned. Evidence of post-WW2 changes to the complex is limited. - Inner Middle Head Battery. The battery covered the northern end of the headland dominating the approaches to the harbour. The 1871 emplacements for 4 guns are buried beneath the modifications of 1889. The 1889 modifications created two deep circular concrete gun pits. The barrel vaulted brick magazine (MH68) from 1871 survives as do two, barrel vaulted shell stores. A rare Range Finding Station (MH118) with two chambers and plane tables appears to date from the 1880s. Associated structures include the remains of two DRF (directional range finder) stations (MH14 and MH117) and the foundations of smaller structures of the 1880s. Other structures are predominantly associated with WW2 including small gun emplacements and searchlight stations. A small section of Telford 'macadam' type road leading to the battery survives intact. - Middle Head Barracks: there are five surviving single storey buildings; the Soldiers Institute of 1892, Barracks No.1 of 1876, SM's (Sergeant Majors) Quarters pre 1903, Officers Quarters 1878 and the Guard House of 1899. Structures of the 1870s are in the hipped roof Victorian Georgian idiom executed in weatherboard and galvanised iron. Later structures are of gabled and hipped roof form. The Guard House is in rendered masonry. The Officers Quarters, designed by James Barnet, are supported downslope by a masonry basement. The group of structures is surrounded by the remains of inner and outer defensive ditches of 1881 ((MH89) and stone walls (MH8), and connected by short roads to the gun emplacements/forts. The buildings, representative except for the duplex Officers Quarters, illustrate as a group the operation of the military barracks during the latter part of the nineteenth century and the nature of perimeter defences. b) Obelisk Bay - Two, sandstone, ashlar construction navigation obelisks of 1858 remain in place. - Battery MH1 of 1802 (Gojak 1993 Complex 08-09) is evident cut into the bedrock, with a long low curved parapet and deep firing platform behind. A ramp now blocked led out of the battery on the north side. Two embrasures in the parapet are related to iron gun pedestals for quick firing guns of a later period. The two roomed magazine built for the battery, to the north east, is visible as collapsed cut stone walls now overgrown. The 1889 Submarine Miners Observation Post (MH25) and one 1892 Nordenfeldt gun site (MH112) are identifiable supported by remnant structures illustrating the isolation of the site including latrines, barracks room (MH99) and various defensive walls (MH104). WW2 works include the 3 gun Case battery (MH95) which guarded the anti submarine nets. Supporting structures include a 3 storey concrete Control Station and Electric Light Station (MH98) and concrete water tanks associated with the 3-gun emplacement. MH106 built on the rock shelf in concrete was the site of an experimental piezo electric light beam along the leading edge of the minefield. c) Georges Head (Gojak 1993 complex 10) Major elements include the 1872 underground or Beehive Casement Battery (GH1) designed by James Barnet , armoured casemate (GH2) 1882-86 designed by Jervois and Scratchley and the approach road of the 1870s. The underground casement battery comprises three brick domed gun chambers in rendered brick, excavated into the edge of the cliff, connected by arched tunnels. Three openings in the cliff face allowed the guns to fire. This has no parallels with other defence buildings in NSW and is an unusual design. The larger, substantially imtact, armoured casemate battery, built to replace the earlier casemate battery, in massive concrete with walls ands roof 1.8 metres thick. The three gun chambers, each with magazines and shell stores, were open at the rear the roofs supported on rivetted iron beams. Gun ports retain the heavy iron shields, which protected the openings, flanked by earthen banks which provided protection to the base of the casemate. The armoured casemate represents the peak of design work and is one of the latest, (almost) obsolete, such designs built in NSW. These main armaments are overlaid by smaller Nordenfeldt gun emplacements of the 1890s (GH5-GH8) the case battery (GH3) of 1944 and various supporting structures including searchlight installations of the 1940s. GH13, associated with GH6, a Nordenfeldt gun emplacement, comprises an underground section with well detailed entrance ramp in cement render dating to 1894. d) Cobblers Beach The c.1885 jetty is connected by road to the fortifications at Middle Head. The stone jetty has a number of construction layers capped by an in situ concrete surface. The roadway is supported by drystone walls on the steeper sections. Each of the sites described within the Middle Head and Georges Heights areas of the park reserves can be considered individually significant within the area of Sydney Harbour National Park. Proposed assessments detailing individual sites and precincts within the Middle Head and Georges Heights area include the following: 1 General Military Roads Framework (this links and underlies all areas) 2 National Park reserves Inner Middle Head Battery Barracks and Officers Quarters Battery 1802 Underground Rock Casemate Armoured Casemate Navigation Obelisks 3 Defence precincts and sites Ten Terminal Regiment HQ and AusAid Training Centre HMAS Penguin Golf Clubhouse Battery B42 Batteries A83 and C9a 30 Terminal Squadron Headquarters Training Command Headquarters 8th Brigade (Drill Hall) Navy Refuelling Depot and Caretakers House Navy Cottages Middle Head Road Middle Head Road Defence Housing Commonwealth Avenue Defence Housing Defence Housing 1st Commando HQ CONDITION AND INTEGRITY Middle Head has not been subject to fire for some decades, and as a result, sweet pittosporum (PITTOSPORUM UNDULATUM) has become a significant element of the vegetation. The long-term absence of fire has also had an impact on species diversity, generally lower diversity over time. Condition was assessed in 1998. A study conducted by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in 1992 reported that weed invasion of the bushland areas is mainly confined to the edges, where physical disturbance has occurred due to road and other construction work. There is a large weedy area below the Officers' Mess. Health of canopy trees is declining in weed-infested areas. Significant weeds include many garden escapees such as lantana LANTANA CAMARA, camphor laurel CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA, firethorn PYRACANTHA ANGUSTIFOLIA, two species of privet LIGUSTRUM spp., kikuyu grass and Pampas grass CORTADERIA SELLOANA. Some bushland areas have been adversely affected by frequent fires, and there are also localised problems due to increased water and nutrient run-off from adjoining urban areas, together with rubbish-dumping . The range of historic places and their integrity and condition has been documented by: - the NSW NP&WS in their study of the defences of Sydney Harbou and natural values of reserve areas; - the National Trust (NSW); and -Godden Mackay Logan in 1998 for Defence Specific details of the condition and integrity of each structure is beyond the scope of this assessment. |
| Location: |
| About 125ha, at Georges Heights, being an area enclosed by a line commencing at the intersection of the HMAS Penguin Naval Depot boundary with the HWM at Balmoral Beach (approximate AMG point 338540mE 6255430mN), then southerly and easterly via the Naval Depot boundary to its intersection with the alignment of the rear of the blocks on the eastern side of Cobbittee Street, then southerly via the rear boundaries to Middle Head Road, then south westerly via the eastern side of Middle Head Road to Croquet Lane, then south westerly via the southern side of Croquet Lane to the western boundary of Bradley Bushland Reserve, then southerly, westerly and southerly via the reserve boundary to the north west corner of a car park, then easterly and south westerly via the car park boundary to its intersection with the western boundary of Sydney Harbour National Park, then southerly via the park boundary to its intersection with an unnamed creek, then downstream via the middle thread of the unnamed creek to the HWM at Chowder Bay, then north easterly and westerly via the HWM to the point of commencement. |
| Bibliography: |
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Godden Mackay Logan, Georges Heights and Middle Head Defence Site Heritage Assessment, December 1998 GC Wilson, 1985, Sydney Harbour Fortifications Archival Study, NSW NP & WS, Sydney Royal Australian Artillery Historical Society Inc., 1993, NSW WW2 Fortifications Study for NSW NP & WS, Sydney Design 5 Architects, 1996, Conservation Management Plan A83, A84, B42 & C9a Batteries and Tunnels Georges Heights, Sydney, for Department of Defence. DECOS Building Surveying Services, 1993, NPWS Defence Heritage Study -Stage 1, Structural Condition Assessment reports, Armoured Casemate Georges Head, First draft. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1998, Plan of Management for Sydney Harbour National Park. ERIN, 2000, Species Data held by Environmental Resources Information Network (Internally held data-sets). D Gojak, 1985, Sydney Harbour Fortifications Study for NSW NP & WS Middle and Georges Heads Fortifications Conservation Plan, D Gojak NPWS Historical Archaeologist, Cultural Heritage Conservation Division 1993 ( an NEGP project) NPWS Middle Head Fortifications Structural Condition Report 1990 Mosman Council LEP1 D Gojak, Defending the Indefensible: an archaeological approach to Sydney's historic coastal defences. Summary of lecture to ASHA. School of Landscape Architecture, University of NSW, 1995, Middle Head Heritage Study Mosman Heritage Study, Travis and Partners Pty Ltd, 1988 for the Municipality of Mosman, Sydney National Trust of Australia (NSW), Georges Heights bushland survey and regeneration plan for the Department of Defence, National Trust of Australia (NSW), Sydney, October 1992 D Benson and J Howell, Taken for granted: the bushland of Sydney and its suburbs, Kangaroo Press in association with Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, 1995 (paperback edition) Headland Preservation Group Inc., Nomination of the Middle Head and Georges Heights site for listing on the Register of the National Estate, Headland Preservation Group Inc., Mosman, October 1997 Bonyhady Tim, Rock of Ages pp104-105 in Bulletin with Newsweek, The Bulletin December 19 2000. |
Report Produced: Wed Feb 10 02:23:30 2010