Australian Army

1943


Justin Taylan 2004
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One of the Port
Moresby Gun Batteries. Initally set up
on the shores of Kila Bay, than
moved to higher ground near Pari
Village, and finally, to this
permanent location. It overlooks Bootless Bay and Piramid Point. Other
names it is known by are: Bootless Battery and Drysdale
Ridge Battery. This battery had two guns: No.1
Gun and No.2 Gun
Construction
This battery was constructed by 'C' Battery crews that arrived in Port
Moresby in September 1942, and had been stationed first at Kila
Beach,
and then on Stokes / Maata Ridge. When
this location proved unsuitable, it was decided to relocate the battery
in September 1942 to a more permanent location, north of Kuri Beach
on Drysdale Ridge overlooking Bootless Bay and Piramid Point [this
location]. Construction
began on the battery in October 1942. Semi-permanant mounts for
two 155mm Artillery Guns were constructed. Test shots were fired
on the SS Pruth on
March 15, 1943. Observation post was at
Tarana / Pyramid Point.
Useage
Manned by 'C' Battery crew, the primary role of this gun was to protect
Bootless Bay, with a secondary role of supporting the Paga Point
Battery
in defense
of Baslisk Passage.
This battery was never used against enemy targets. The
guns were removed sometime after WWII, and the battery is abanondoed
today.
References
The 'Letter' Batteries for
dates and information related to this battery. John Douglas' The
Coastal Gun Batteries of Port Moresby - Then & Now
Contribute
Information
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155mm
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