 |
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
Australian Army Australian Army c1943    Justin Taylan 2004 |
Location The 'C' Heavy Battery was one of the Australian Army "Letter Batteries" defending Port Moresby atop Drysdale Ridge overlooking Bootless Bay and Pyramid Point. Also known as simply "C Battery" or "Bootless Battery" or "Drysdale Ridge Battery". This battery had gun emplacement no. 1 and no. 2 each with a single 155mm howitzer. Prewar and during the Pacific War located in the Central District of the Territory of Papua. Today located in the National Capital District (NCD) of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Construction initially, the 'C' Heavy Battery was established at the edge of Kila Bay but the location proved unsuitable. Next, moved atop Stokes Ridge (Maata Ridge) near Pari that also proved unsatisfactory. During September 1942 the battery relocated to Drysdale Ridge north of Kuri Beach. In October 1942, construction began atop Drysdale Ridge was begun by Australian Army 'C' Heavy Battery. Two semi-permanent gun mounts for 155mm howitzers were built with camouflage netting to prevent aerial observation. The Observation Post (O.P.) was located at Tarana near Pyramid Point. Wartime History Manned by 'C' Battery, the primary role of this gun was to protect Bootless Bay, with a secondary role of supporting the Paga Point Battery to defend against enemy warships entering Baslisk Passage bound for Port Moresby. On March 15, 1943 test shots were fired at the shipwreck of SS Pruth. but never fired at any enemy target. Later in the Pacific War or at the end of World War II the guns were removed and the battery was abandoned. 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 Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated June 17, 2025 |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
