POSTER - Fortress Fremantle Graphic Naval Control of Shipping

Fremantle Fortress, refers to the combined coastal defenses safeguarding the Fremantle Harbour, with a predominant role during World War 2.The first coastal defenses in Western Australia were established in Albany in 1893 at the Princess Royal Fortress.Tt wasn’t until the opening of the inner harbor at Fremantle in 1897 and its subsequent emergence as the preferred port for mail and access to the Goldfields that the coastal protection of Fremantle Harbor was considered.
In 1906, two 6-inch Mk VII naval guns were installed at Fort Arthur Head, and a further two similar guns on the north side of the Harbour at Fort Forrest. During the mid-1930s, the Australian Government upgraded coastal defense batteries across major ports. In Western Australia, the protection of Fremantle Port was a priority. To provide additional stand off protection a 9.2 inch battery was established on Rotnest Island at Oliver Hill and an additional 6 inch battery at Bickley Point
At various periods during World War 2 between 1939 and 1945 additional fortifications, anti-aircraft defences, search lights, radars and observation posts were establish on the mainland between Point Peron and Swanbourne and also on Rottnest Island. These combined coastal defenses were collectively referred to as the Fremantle Fortress
Fremantle Harbor, guarded by the Fremantle Fortress, housed the Fremantle submarine base, which played a crucial role during World War II. It was the second-most important submarine base in the Pacific War after Pearl Harbor.The coastal batteries were manned by members of the Royal Australian Artillery, the Royal Australian Engineers, and the Volunteer Defence Corps. From 1942, the Australian Women’s Army Service also served at the Fremantle Fortress.