Perched high above Newcastle Harbour is Fort Scratchley, the site of Newcastle's first mine.
In 1804, a coal-fired beacon began burning at night to aid navigation. The Fort, complete with guns, was opened in 1882 after fears of Russian attacks. However, it wasn't until 1942, at the height of World War II, the guns were first fired.
At about 2:15 AM on June 8, 1942, a Japanese submarine under the command of Captain Kanji Matsumura, crept along Stockton Bight and shelled Newcastle from its position 9 kms off-shore. It is believed its targets were the shipyards at Carrington and a large coal ship called the 'Iron Knight' which was moored at the steelwork docks.
The city awoke to the firing and large star shells or illuminators which appeared as rays of fire shooting across the sky. In total, it is believed 34 shells were fired at Newcastle. After 13 minutes of firing more than 20 shells, the guns at Fort Scratchley returned fire with four rounds...all of which had missed their target.
The submarine continued firing for another 3 minutes until all 34 shells had been fired. Fortunately, the shelling caused minimal damage and only minor casualties.
Residents left their homes to watch the event unaware of the dangers of the situation. Shells exploded in various locations throughout Newcastle - one crashed into Nobbys Breakwall, another into Newcastle baths, an unexploded shell smashed through the roof of BHP, another into the tram depot which is the site of the Queen's Wharf development today and another landed in Parnell Place near Fort Scratchley.
The remaining shells landed in Newcastle Harbour. Several exploded in a fountain of water while the rest sank to the bottom where they still remain.
In February 1944, the Japanese submarine that attacked Newcastle was sunk by an American vessel near Gilbert Islands in the Pacific.
Fort Scratchley has taken its place in the history books as the first and only Australian Fort to return fire on an enemy ship during a time of war. Fort Scratchley is therefore a significant and important part of Australian history.
Fort Scratchley has undergone major renovations and is now open to the public to explore its history and mazes of tunnels under the hill.
