by Rosen, Sue;
Crookhaven & Shoalhaven. - - 1 1 1
Clyde. - - 2 - 6
Moruya. - - 1 1 -
Wagonga. - 1 4 1
Totals.
26 34 10 23 56
The small jetties and wharves within Broken Bay, Botany Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Kurnell, Bundeena and Port Hacking etc. as listed in Schedule “B” will be dealt with directly by the Army (1st Division).
Preparation:
A. Ocean Jetties - All thirteen ocean jetties must be prepared immediately for demolition, and instructions accordingly should issue at once to the agency named against each, through the Department of Public Works.
The two Hawkesbury River jetties and the two Lake Macquarie wharves will be dealt with similarly.
The ocean jetties at Ulladulla, Wollongong and Kiama are of stone. The depth is only sufficient for berthing shallow draught vessels drawing up to 9 ft. The only satisfactory denial method in the opinion of P.W.D. would be to scuttle a vessel in such a position as would prevent the use of the berth, or to lay concrete tetrahedrons to attain this result.
The remainder are timber structures.
The most practicable method of quick destruction of these timber structures is by the use of explosives. Burning would not be satisfactory; sawing and chopping would be slow and tedious; whilst destruction would have to proceed immediately, whereas with the use of explosives, demolition would proceed only on enemy approach.
Preparation therefore should be for explosive demolition and explosives should be made available. It should provide for the removal or destruction of all repair material in the vicinity, including timber stacks at adjacent sawmills and depots, e.g. at Woolgoolga and Coff’s Harbour.
Personnel is to be organised at once by the agency named and instantly set to work. (This work is in progress).
Explosive charges should not be placed in position until required but should be stored in compliance with regulations reasonably accessible to the work.
Action detail should be furnished as quickly as possible by the Officer-in-charge of preparation, to the Chief Engineer, Eastern Command, setting forth:-
(a) Method.
(b) Explosives etc. required to complete demolition when ordered.
(c) Time required to complete preparation with the men available. (This action is being taken by the P.W.D. through Mr. Potter).
B. Estuary Wharves - Perusal of the classified summary shows that the more important of these are situated along the Richmond, Clarence and Macleay Rivers, as they permit navigation by larger vessels. In view of this and also owing to the fact that the enemy can land troops and supplies directly on to river banks, it appears that the destruction of estuary wharves would cause little practical obstruction to him. The mouths of these rivers could be protected, however, by shore batteries ranged on to the bar and by arrangements made to place mines in the channel immediately inside the bar (such placing of mines to be carried out expeditiously at the last moment).
All cranes and other facilities on wharves should be denied to the enemy.
Preparation for and Demolition Methods:
A. Ocean Jetties -
(a) The aim is to demolish a section of the jetty, approximately 100’ in length in the vicinity of the abutment of the jetty, or if the jetty has been constructed over a shelving beach then to demolish a similar section between the break in the surf at high and low tides.
(b) Drill all girders in the 100’ length at the ¼ and ¾ points. Holes to be 1¼” diameter and to be drilled to within 2” of the opposite side of the girder and at 45° to the girder. If the decking is of timber then the holes will be bored from above through the timber, but if the decking is of concrete then the holes will be drilled from underneath from staging. Charge each hole with 2 plugs of ⅛“ - 60% gelignite.
(c) All piles, headstocks or capwales in the 100’ length are to be shattered as follows:-
(i) Jetty with headstocks -
Lift decking where necessary and drill 1¼” hole at 45° into headstock over each pile, the holes are to be drilled to within 2” of the opposite side of the headstock. Charge each hole with 2 plugs of ⅛ “ - 60% gelignite.
Also drill heads of all piles as follows:-
Drill 1¼” to 2” diameter holes vertically into the centre of each pile sufficiently deep to take the explosive charges, using 1¼” diameter holes only for piles of small diameter.
If drilling from the top of piles is not practicable, then the piles are to be drilled from the staging underneath jetty keeping the holes well clear of high water. The holes are to be drilled at 45° into each pile and are to be bored to within 2” to 3” of opposite side of the pile. Holes are to be charged with ⅛“ - 60% gelignite in accordance with the formula 9D2 (see below) and if one 1¼” diameter hole is insufficient to take the required charge, then two 1¼” diameter holes side by side are to be bored.
(ii) Jetty with capwales -
The piles will be treated similarly as in the case of jetty with headstocks.
(d) Fire charges with No. 6 detonator and safety fuse. Detonators crimped on fuses are to be prepared ready and each detonator and approximately 3” of fuse dipped in “Dalco” waterproofing compound, dried and placed in magazine in a dry position.
(e) Charges to be tamped firmly into position and after primer is placed, squeeze a piece of dry paper on small piece of hessian against primer. Tamp firmly with sand, damp paper or small piece of hessian.
(f) Order of firing - fuses to be so cut and lighted that girder shots will fire in advance of headstocks, capwale or pile shots.
(g) A supply of kerosene has been arranged at each jetty. If the timber is not completely broken after the explosion, the kerosene should then be applied liberally to the shattered sections and ignited.
Note: For the purpose of calculating the quantity of explosives required to be put in the heads of piles, the following formula will be used as a guide -
If D = diameter of the timber in feet, then 9D2 is the quantity of gelignite required in ounces.
It should be noted further that 50% more than quantity calculated above should be used if there is any reason to believe that the amount so calculated is insufficient for any particular location such as the junction of several timbers or where there are iron straps round the piles, etc.
The following preparatory work should be carried out as soon as possible:-
(a) Drill all holes in readiness to receive charges. A start being made immediately the Army instructs that preparation for demolition be carried out.
(b) Send portable magazines to be placed in a dry position at the base of each timber jetty, with the exception of jetties at Port Kembla, as there is already a magazine at this port. Forward immediately, gelignite, detonators, fuse, fuse lighters, and waterproofing compound to each jetty.
(c) Have “tails” consisting of detonator crimped on fuse, prepared ready for use and packed carefully in magazines.
(d) Train at least three men at each jetty in the method of placing and firing charges so that these men can carry out the work expeditiously if the order is given by the Army to demolish the jetty. Each volunteer team should include, if possible, the Wharfinger or Shipping Agent, all watchmen engaged on watching the jetty and also if possible a powder monkey. Arrangements also should be made by the Army for these men to be enlisted as members of the Volunteer Defence Corps.
B. Masonry Basins or Jetties:
These are situated at Wollongong, Kiama and Ulladulla and have been discussed with the Army who agree that as these basins or jetties can only be used for berthing shallow draught vessels they should be left until all other coastal timber jetties have been prepared for demolition.
The method recommended is to deny the enemy their use by scuttling a vessel in the berth or by sinking concrete tetrahedrons in the berthing length, or by the construction of booms.
C. Demolition of Cranes and other Facilities on Ocean Jetties:
Arrangements are to be made for the
necessary demolition of all cranes and other facilities on jetties to be carried out by demolition squads.
Proposed methods are:-
(1) Electric Cranes - remove motor or destroy with hammers; remove and conceal essential gears or destroy with hammers.
(2) Steam Cranes - destroy boilers by sealing off safety valve and leave large fire under them or place gelignite in boiler tubes or fire box. Remove and conceal essential gears from crane or destroy them with hammers.
(3) Smash jibs of all cranes by allowing them to fall.
(4) Burn jibs or timber portions of hand cranes.
Note:- Coal loading machinery on No. 1 Jetty at Port Kembla can be demolished by placing charges of gelignite in the unloaders and belt drives. Rubber conveyor belt should be cut and destroyed.
Finance:
The operation is a “Scorched Earth” one under Army Scorched Earth Regulations, and is an authorised charge against Army Finance.
Actual Demolition:
Preparations must be completed as a matter of extreme urgency against imminent invasion.
The actual moment of implementation will be a military decision. Actual demolition will be implemented by volunteer squads formed for the purpose under Public Works Department supervision. It will be done only on authentic order from the Zone Control Officer through pre-arranged channels.
(Acknowledgement: Messrs. Potter of Public Works Department, Armitage of Maritime Services Board, Colonel Stewart of Army, and Messrs. Westbrook, Lane and Davis of the Forestry Commission have contributed the data on which this Operational Plan is based.)
Schedule A - List of Estuary Wharves.
Schedule B - List of Jetties and Wharves being dealt with directly by Army.
E.H.F. SWAIN,
Chairman,
Scorched Earth Sub-Committee,
State (N.S.W.) War Effort Co-ordination Committee.
23.11.42.
SCHEDULE “A”
ESTUARY WHARVES.
Classification. Location. Owner. Appropriate Denial Agency.
Tweed River: (No coastal vessels entering as depth is 5’6” including tide over bar.)
2a West Training Wall. N.S.W. Govt Shire of Tweed
4 East Training Wall. P.W.D. Coal Wharf 100 tons. P.W.D.
3 East Training Wall. N.S.W. Govt Shire of Tweed.
Cane Cutters’ Assocn
4 Terranora Ck. Council. Shire of Tweed.
4 Terranora Dock and Wharf. P.W.D. P.W.D.
3 Cudgen. Council. Shire of Tweed.
3 Tumbulgum. Council. Murwillumbah Municipality.
4 Condong. Council. do.
3 do. C.S.R. Co.1 C.S.R. Co. do. supervise.
3 Murwillumbah. North Coast S.N. Co. N.C.S.N. Co.2 do. do.
3 do. Butter Factory. Butter Factory do. do.
3 do. Council. Murwillumbah Municipality.
Richmond River: (Max. of 1,000 tons gross with 12’6” draught, including tide over bar.)
2 Richmond R. Head. Council. Tintenbar Shire.
1 Ballina. Nth. Coast S.N. Co. N.C.S.N. Co., Tintenbar Shire to supervise.
2 do. P.W.D. Coal Wharf 200 tons. P.W.D.
2 do. Butter Factory. Butter Factory, Tintenbar Shire to supervise.
4 Gerwan Ck. Council. Tintenbar Shire.
1 Wardell. Council. do.
1 Broadwater. Council. Woodburn Shire.
1 do. C.S.R. Co. C.S.R. Co. do. supervise.
2 Riley’s Hill. Council. Woodburn Shire.
2 do. P.W.D. Coal Wharf 80 tons. P.W.D.
2 do. (lower). Council or P.W.D. Woodburn Shire.
2 do. (upper). do. do.
1 Sth. Woodburn Council. Gundurimba Shire.
4 Swan Bay. Council. do.
2 Coraki. Butter Factory. Butter Factory, Gundurimba Shire to supervise.
1 do. Council. Gundurimba Shire.
4 Wyrallah. Council. do.
4 Sth. Gundurimba. Council. do.
1 Lismore. Council. Lismore Municipality.
2 do. Foley Bros.3 do.
4 Lismore. Gas Co. Lismore Municipality.
1 do. N.S.W. Railways. N.S.W. Railways.
1 do. Nth. Coast S.N. Co. N.C.S.N. Co. do. supervise.
Clarence River: (Max. 750 tons gross with 12’6” to 13’ draught including tide over bar.)
4 Yamba. Council. Harwood Shire.
2 Iluka. Council. do.
1 do. P.W.D. Coal Wharf 200 tons P.W.D.
4 Chatsworth. Council. Harwood Shire.
1 Palmer’s Island. Council. do.
2 Harwood Island. Council. Ulmarra Municipality.
1 do. C.S.R. Co. C.S.R. Co. do. supervise.
2 Ashby (dock & 2 wharves). P.W.D. Ulmarra Municipality.
4 Woodford Island (condemned 1941).
1 Maclean. N.C.S.N. Co. N.C.S.N. Co. do. supervise.
2 Kings Creek. Council. Ulmarra Municipality.
2 Woodford Leigh. Council. do.
2 Lawrence. Council. Copmanhurst Shire.
2 Woodford Dale. Council. Ulmarra Municipality.
2 Lower Southgate. Council. Copmanhurst Shire.
2 do. Council. do.
2 do. Foley Bros. do.
2 Brushgrove Council. Grafton Municipality.
2 Cowper. Council. do.
1 Ulmarra. Council. do.
1 do. Butter Factory. Butter Factory. do. supervise.
4 Great Marlow. Council. do.
2 Sth. Grafton Girders). (Piles and A. Taylor & Co. A. Taylor & Co. Grafton Munic. supervise.
2 do. do. R.J. White & Co.4 R.J. White & Co. do.
2 do. do. Brown Ltd.5 Brown Ltd. do.
1 do. N.S.W. Railways. N.S.W. Railways.
1 Grafton (above bridge). Nth. Coast S.N. Co. N.C.S.N. Co. Grafton Munic. supervise.
1 do. do. do. do. do.
1 do. do. do. do. do.
1 do. do. Frasers & Co. Frasers & Co. do.
1 do. do. Butter Factory. Butter Factory. do.
1 do. do. N.S.W. Railways. N.S.W. Railways.
4 Copmanhurst. Council. Copmanhurst Shire.
Bellinger River: (No coastal vessels entering as bar is very shallow.)
4 Urunga Council. Bellingen Shire.
4 Raleigh Council. do.
4 Repton.
Nambucca River: (No coastal vessels entering as depth is about 5’6” including tide over bar.)
4 Macksville. Council. Nambucca Shire.
4 do. P.W.D. coal wharf 200 tons P.W.D.
Macleay River: (Max. of 900 tons gross with 11’6” draught including tide over bar.)
2 South West Rocks. P.W.D. P.W.D.
1 Jerseyville. Council. Nambucca Shire.
2 Longreach (right bank). Counci1. do.
2 do. (left bank). Council. do.
2 Summer Island. Council. do.
2 Kinchela. Council. Macleay Shire.
2 Partridges. Council. do.
2 Smithtown. Council. do.
1 do. Nestles (A/sia) Ltd. Nestles. do. supervise.
2 Gladstone. Counc11. Macleay Shire.
2 Seven Oaks. Council. do.
4 Frederickton East. Council. do.
2 Frederickton. do. do.
l East Kempsey. Council. do.
1 Kempsey. N.C.S.N. Co. N.C.S.N. Co. do. supervise.
4 Euroka. Council. Macleay Shire.
4 Green Hills. Council. do.
There are nine further wharves in ruins.
Hastings River:
(No wharves can be used at present as it is shoaled up.)
4 Port Macquarie. Council. Port Macquarie Municipality.
3 do. P.W.D. coal wharf 100 tons. P.W.D.
4 Wauchope. Council. Hastings Shire.
4 do. Council. do.
Camden Haven:
(No coastal vessels entering as depth is about 7’ including tide over bar.)
3 Dunbogan. P.W.D. coal wharf 50 tons. P.W.D.
3 Laurieton. Council. Hastings Shire.
Manning River: (Max. of 300 tons gross with 9
’ draught including tide over bar) - (Vessels have to be tugged in and out).
2a Harrington. P.W.D. coal 60 tons. Manning Shire.
4 Northern Training Wall. Council. do.
4 do. Council. do.
4 Southern Training Wall. Council. do.
4 Coopernook. Council. do.
2a Croki (Jones Is.) Council. do.
2a do. do. Butter Factory. Butter Factory. do. supervise.
3 Oxley Island. Council. Taree Municipality.
3 Cundletown. Council. P.W.D. Taree Munic.
3 Cundle Dock. P.W.D. P.W.D. Taree Munic.
4 Redbank. Council Manning Shire.
4 Taree. Butter Factory. Butter Factory. Taree Munic. supervise.
2a do. N.C.S.N. Co. N.C.S.N. Co. do.
3 do. Council. Taree Municipality.
3 do. Council. do.
4 Wingham. Council. do.
Cape Hawke (Forster): (No coastal vessels entering as depth is about 5’ including tide over bar - vessels have to be tugged in and out.)
4 Forster. Council. Stroud Shire.
3 do. P.W.D. P.W.D.
4 Tuncurry. Council. Manning Shire.
3 do. Wright Bros. Wright Bros. do. supervise
4 do. Maxwell Porter.6 Maxwell Porter. do.
4 Wallis Lake. Council. Stroud Shire.
Crookhaven & Shoalhaven Rivers: (Max. of 300 tons gross with about 8’6” draught including tide over bar.)
3 Near entrance (Crookhaven Rvr.) P.W.D. coal wharf. P.W.D. or Nowra Munic.
4 Greenwell Point. Council. do.
2a Nowra (Shoalhaven Rvr.) Council. do.
Clyde River: (Max. of 550 tons gross with draught 8’6” including tide over bar.)
4 Batemans Bay. Perry’s Spoke Mill. Perry, Eurobodalla Shire supervise.
4 do. Mitchell Bros.7 Mitchell Bros. do. do.
4 do. Fennings. Fennings. do. do.
2a do. Council. Eurobodalla Shire.
4 Buckenbowra Junct.8 Council. do.
4 Shallow Crossing. Council. do.
2a Nelligen. Illawarra & Sth Cst. S.N. I. & S.C.S.N. do. supervise.
4 do. Council. Eurobodalla Shire.
Moruya River: (Max. of 550 tons gross with draught 9’ including tide over bar.) (There is also a secondary bar.)
3 Granite Quarry P.W.D. coal 80 tons. P.W.D. or Eurobodalla Shire.
2a Moruya Town Wharf Lt. Bank. Council. Eurobodalla Shire.