World War Two Rifle Range (site) & Merv's Lookout

Statement of Significance

The Rifle Range site and Merv’s Lookout are significant for the associations with World War Two and the Port Hedland involvement at that time.

Physical Description

A picturesque planted area on the road verge, together with a bench seat, o verlooking the rifle range site.

History

With the increasing threat of Japanese invasion along the north west coast in 1942 came the arrival of the army in Port Hedland. By April 1942 the town was taken over by the 29th Garrison Battalion, North West detachment, which had been formed from Citizen Military Forces reservists the previous month. Houses, shops, schools and town hall were taken over by the army, and defence measures included internal security, guard duty, labouring and coastal defence, including walking along the coastline from Port Hedland to Broome searching for Japanese activity. A rifle range was established on Athol Street, which was used for target practice. The remains of the 500 yard firing line are visible from Merv’s Lookout. A row of sandstone rocks located to the right of this remain from the training range, and .303 bullets can still be found lodged in the sandstone ridge where the target range was located. Merv Stanton, who arrived in Port Hedland in 1942 at the age of 16 with the Guerrilla Warfare section of the army, planted gum trees in memory of the battalion.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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