Location
Lat 32° 49' 0S Long 151° 50' 60E  Williamtown is located near the coast of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia. To the south is Newcastle and Sydney.

Wartime History
On June 8, 1942 at 2:15am after crossing Stockton Bight, Japanese submarine I-21 opens fire at the shipyard in Newcastle. Thirteen minutes later the shore battery at Fort Scratchley returns fire, firing four shells that missed the submarine. Undeterred, I-21 continues shelling for three more minutes. In total, 26 HE and 8 star shells were fired by I-21 using a new type of flashless powder, but they caused minimal damage and no casualties.

Williamtown Airfield (RAAF Base Williamtown)
Located to the north of Williamstown

Fort Scratchley
Located at the entrance to Hunter River Estuary.

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Last Updated
October 23, 2019