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#DJIAIR2S ”WWII WATCH POST” | 4K Darwin [2021]

Discussion in 'Living History' started by NT_Australia, Oct 7, 2021.

  1. NT_Australia

    NT_Australia Member

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    The Observation Post was built between 1939-1941 during the build-up of defence installations in Darwin. It was one of a set of structures constructed as part of an overall coastal defence strategy in anticipation by allied strategists of a sea and land based invasion. This particular post was constructed on the beach to allow a clear view of the sea along the length of the beach in both directions. This post is significant for being part of a national and regional defence strategy. After the bombing of Darwin in 1942 the strategic position of these installations and the effectiveness of their intended purpose was severely questioned. They are a reminder of the serious underestimation made by the Allied Forces of the capabilities and strategy of the enemy. Troops were withdrawn from the area in March 1942 but regular patrols were maintained. A detachment of the Northern Australian Observer Unit occupied the area from Lee Point to Buffalo Creek from mid-1942.
     
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  2. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    This one is overlooking Dutch Harbor, where the Deadliest Catch melodrama plays out every year.

    [​IMG]
     
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  3. NT_Australia

    NT_Australia Member

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    That’s high up on the hill. Good vantage point. There is another of these about 5 km from the one above. I’ll add that video soon.
     
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  4. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    Always reminds me of the German officer in "The Longest Day". He looks out of his bunker and sees ~4,000 Allied ships, so he calls it in.

    "And where are these ships heading?"

    "FOR ME!!!!"

    He survived the war IIRC.
     
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  5. Half Track

    Half Track Well-Known Member

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    Here is a World War II bunker which still stands on the coast at Cape May, New Jersey. Built in 1943 for coastal defense. My favorite beach destination.
    0509F5F7-0368-42E8-880E-7E2C8E757359.jpeg C59BCBA2-A738-4100-89A3-9C81C3908360.jpeg 846411F8-0DC2-4773-B68D-5CC0AA04931C.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Oct 9, 2021
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  6. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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    When I was in Sicily I visited the landing beaches for Operation Husky and followed both forces along their routes to Messina. Shot a lot of pictures. Sadly my personal property shipment never left Italy. The shippers (apparently) made one copy of the contents list for me, one for the USN and one for the Mafia.
     
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  7. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Been there many times. Long ago you could climb it and go inside. You could also see the remains of the gun emplacements. Those are long gone. The spotting tower has been restored and you can go inside.
     
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  8. Half Track

    Half Track Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. I read that the spotting tower near Cape May point has been restored. It’s been a long time since I could get there.
     
  9. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    View of the tower.
    20161125_154155_001_saved_copy_1328x747.jpg
    Bunker
    Resizer_16340051197000.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2021
  10. Half Track

    Half Track Well-Known Member

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    Yep, drove past it (tower) a lot on the way to eat and shop at the end of the road. Thanks
     
  11. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Just did it this weekend!
     
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