Australian Army
Justin Taylan 2003
Justin Taylan 2005
Construction
This Battery had emplacements for 3 x 5.25" Mark
II guns but only two were ever installed. Constructed by the Australian
8th Army Troops Company during April - August 1944. It was manned by
the 801st Anti-Aircraft & Costal Artillery
An observation post is on the hill top and the three gun positions on the coastal flank, overlooking Fairfax Harbor, Idlers bay and Fisherman's (Daugo) Island in the distance. The rear areas contain concrete bunkers for ammunition and for shelter.
Gun No 1
This mount is located furthest to the east. There is a underground
armory and room for generator to the side of the gun. The bunkers are
all empty.
Gun No 2
This mount is located furthest to the west, was completed August 17, 1944. There
is a underground armory and room for generator to the side of the gun. The
bunkers are all empty, although the concrete mounting plate for the generator
is still present in that room, and the metal railing for the stairs leading downward.
Bunker Complex
A large concrete bunker dominates the top of the hill. It has several
rooms areas, and from its roof offers commanding views of the two gun
areas, and also a view port for firing small arms at anyone approaching
from the seaward side. All rooms are empty.
Support Buildings B29, B30, B31
There are three rectangular buildings on the reverse slope of the hill,
these buildings have B29, B30 and B31 painted on their exteriors. B29
and B31 have large windows and doorways. B30 is the largest, and has
only one doorway for entry, and a ventilation system, probably this
one was for shell storage. All these buildings are empty.
Today
Accessible by road through Roku
village or by boat direct
to Idlers Bay. A climb up the hill to the west of Idlers Bay reveals
the undisturbed splendor of the Basilisk Battery with its grand views
over the sea approaches to Port Moresby and Fairfax Harbor. This is a
excellent example of a coastal gun emplacement that any other country
would long ago been afforded conservation protection.
References
The 'Letter' Batteries for
dates and information related to this battery. John Douglas' The
Coastal Gun Batteries of Port Moresby - Then & Now
155mm
Then & Now
