Fremantle Fortress, Leighton Battery
This nomination should be read in conjunction with the successful nomination submitted in 2010 for engineering heritage recognition of Fremantle Fortress – Rottnest Island WW2 Coastal Defence Facilities. An Engineering Heritage National Landmark award was made on that occasion.
The construction of the extensive Rottnest Island coastal defence facilities commenced in 1935 and the 9.2 inch guns at Oliver Hill and the 6 inch guns at Bickley Point became operational by the end of 1938. The Leighton Battery facility at Buckland Hill, Mosman Park, a few kms north of Fremantle, was the most extensive of the mainland coastal defence facilities completed during the early 1940s. Two 6 inch coastal artillery guns at Leighton became operational in February 1943.
The battery took over from the Arthur Head (Fremantle) battery the role of an Examination Battery, keeping a lookout for ships arriving in Gage Roads. A battery of four 3.7 inch anti aircraft guns was also installed at Buckland Hill in late 1941. In 1944 the threat of enemy air attack in lieu of naval attack prompted the decision to install three 5.25 inch dual purpose coastal artillery/antiaircraft guns and they became operational at Leighton in 1947.
The site is managed by the the Town of Mosman Park and the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Society WA (Inc). The latter organisation provides volunteer guides for public tours of the Leighton Battery military museum.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM) |
| Award Date | 29 November 2014 |
| Heritage Significance | The battery was an important part of Fremantle Fortress, the coastal defence network established prior to and during World War 2 to protect the Port of Fremantle from enemy sea and air attack. The extensive underground defence facility tunnel network is an excellent example of military technical achievement. It is the site of the only 5.25 inch dual use coastal artillery/anti-aircraft battery of the eight which were planned to protect Australian ports during World War 2, which actually became operational. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Ceremony Booklet available here. Ceremony Report available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Available here. |
