|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| Australian Army "Letter Battery"  AWM April 15, 1944      Justin Taylan 2004  Barmarine 2009 |
Location Lat 9° 24' 0S Long 147° 1' 0E Boera Battery was located on the coast near Boera to the west of Port Moresby. Construction One of the Port Moresby Gun Batteries. Built on the coastal hills immediately behind Boera village. Construction began in late January until May 1943. After 'A' Australian Heavy Battery at Gill Gill (west of Alotau, Milne Bay) ceased operations on May 20, 1943 all equipment was transferred to Boera. Boera Battery was established among several hills, the battery also had search light and support buildings nearby. A water supply well was dug to a depth of 50'. On June 11, 1943 under the supervision of Major Butterworth. Firing exercises were carried out. On March 3, 1944 by Boera and Bootless Batteries. The battery was disassembled (guns, ammunition) were returned to Port Moresby and camp buildings demolished. Gun Pit No 1 Single 155mm Howitzer was emplaced at this location in gun pits with a trolley to rotate the gun and camouflage net covering. Triangulation for fire was laid out on July 6, 1943 and the guns test fired on the following day with the first round fired from this gun at 15:07 hours. Today, this turret is empty, but has a metal carriage for the rear of the gun to be rotated around. The gun pit is made from large stones and concrete to make up the walls. Several covered bunkers are located behind the gun for shell storage. Gun Pit No 2 Single 155mm Howitzer was emplaced at this location in gun pits with a trolley to rotate the gun and camouflage net covering. Triangulation for fire was laid out on July 6, 1943 and the guns test fired on the following day. Today, this turret is empty, but has a metal carriage for the rear of the gun to be rotated around. The gun pit is made from large stones and concrete to make up the walls. A covered bunker is to the side of the bunker, for shell storage. The metal carriage for the rear of the gun is still present in the pit. Tower & Fortifications A two story 'tower' is located between the two guns, with covered bunkers to each side. On the second story of the tower is a pedestal, probably for mounting an anti-aircraft weapon, or binoculars, etc. Nearby, there is a concrete air raid trench with stairs for entry. Buildings & Shelters There is an underground building built into one of the hillsides, probably for shell storage, with a metal I beam roof, and holes for ventilation. A second building is only partially built into the hillside, its roof (presumably metal sheets) is missing. Shells In nearby Boera village, locals have collected many abandoned 155mm shells from the battery, some with fuses still attached. The brass shell casings are missing, probably removed and sold for scrap. Today This too is a remarkable site, well preserved in its entirety. The supporting search light positions are all easily identified and the gun emplacements seemingly need only the guns to be reinstalled to make them effective once again. References The 'Letter' Batteries by Reg Kidd & Ray Neal details the history of this gun battery The Coastal Gun Batteries of Port Moresby - Then & Now by John Douglas Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 155mm  Photo Archive |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
