Vlamingh Memorial

Statement of Significance

This marks the presumed site of the landing by Vlamingh's men 4th January 1697. The first to step ashore was Gerrit Collaert in charge of the landing party. They found a fire and footprints but made no contact with the inhabitants.

The filled in gun emplacement/bomb shelter where the cable station men worked during the war is of some significance. This is currently being researched by a former employee of the Cable Station.

Physical Description

Presumed site of Vlamingh's landing, site of WW2 "pillbox". Second Word War Air raid shelter covered by a man-made sandune and topped by a memorial designed by Tony Brand architect and councillor of the time which won an award for excellence in concrete in 1975. This colourstone construction designed in 1973 was erected by the Town Council in conjunction with the West Australian Tourist Development Authority to commemorate the landing in January 1697 of Willem Hessels de Vlamingh. The cost was $10,000.
Jean Lang in "The Cottesloe Story" manuscript describes them as:
"Positioned on top of one of a series of low sand dunes, the grouped masses of standard pre-cast units of white cement were supplied by Humes Ltd. of Wembley and from a distance, somewhat resemble a modern Stonehenge. Erected at the four points of the compass, these box culvert units, on sunny days, throw an interesting pattern of shadows; concrete filled, socketed drainage pipes standing upright in each shelter, provide
seating. A central bronze plaque, supported by a concrete filled, socketed drainage pipes standing upright in each shelter, provide seating. A central bronze plaque, supported by a concrete well liner and marked with sight lines to indicate the direction of islands and features along the coastline, briefly outlines Vlamingh's voyage. From this, concrete paving slabs lead down sloping ground to an obelisk - a modified version of a prestressed concrete pile - on which the name Vlamingh appears in plastic letters."

History

War was declared, Australia entered on Sept 3 1939. Cottesloe was divided into 14 air raid districts with 70 wardens. Mayor Gadson was chief warden, mock air raids were organized in 1940, complete mobilisation to defend Australia began in 1942. The "pill box" was part of this.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity questionable
Modifications telecommunications bunker underneath filled in and memorial put on top

Condition

Very Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.