DRAFT OF PROPOSED OPERATION ORDER

Demolition Plan - Port Facilities - Townsville. Ref. Map Townsville

Map. Ref. 957865

Information.
1. A general description of points to be attacked is given in Appendix 1, and layout of area concerned is given in Sketch 1.

Intention.
2. To destroy the following so as to deny its use to the enemy:

Wharf Sheds and Unloading Facilities on Eastern Breakwater
No. 1 Pier, Sheds and Unloading Facilities
Molasses Storage Tank
Static Water Supply (storage tanks)
Harbour Board Plant
Coal Dump
Storage Sheds and various buildings in vicinity
Road and Railway approach to Eastern Breakwater.

Method
3. Preparations for carrying out the above intention will be made by No. 2 Sect. 11 Fd. Coy. R.A.E. 5 Div., O.C Demolition Party, Lieut. D. Callon.

4. C.R.E. Is arranging for construction of magazine and storage of explosives in accordance with the Abstract of Demolition (Appendix No. 2). Location of magazine is shown on Sketch No. 1

5. Orders for demolition will be delivered in writing to the officer I/C of demolition and will be signed by the G.O.C. 5 Aust. Div.

The Orders will be issued in the following sequences:-

(a) Warning Order

“TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES”

On receipt of this order the Demolition Party will be assembled on the shore end of the Eastern Breakwater. Explosives, accessories, and tools will be allotted to the various jobs. Demolition charges will be made up, detonators and cable tested, and priming charges prepared by Demolition Party.

Portable plant, tools, and other movable stores, from wharf, No. 1 pier, store sheds and buildings, will be salvaged and removed to a pre-arranged place.
Note:- If rolling stock and engine available use same to fullest extent.

At the Static Water Supply, Magazine Island the two valves which control the water supply to the wharves be closed, and the water hydrants on the wharf along the eastern breakwater will be opened to allow water to drain from pipe. The check valves (2) on fuel oil line to this wharf will be opened. Salt water in fuel lines to Wharf will be drained off into Harbour. A template which will be prepared, will be fixed to the discharging end of fuel oil pipeline and a length of hose connected from it to the nearest water hydrant.

All procurable lengths of hose will be connected to water hydrants along wharf so as to be able to direct the streams of fuel oil to suitable places when the order is given.

On No. 1 pier, the cheque valves in the petrol pipeline will be opened or removed, and the salt water in the pipelines drained off. Lengths of hose will be connected to discharging points on petrol pipe line so as to be able to direct the streams of petrol to the most suitable places when the order is given.

Holes will be set down and levelled for cratering road and railway in position shown in Sketch 1.

(b) Preparation Order:-

“PREPARE FOR DEMOLITION”

On receipt of this order the made up demolition charges, stores and tools will be collected by the various parties who will move to their appointed tasks.

Charges will be laid on all tasks, cables tested, and drums of petrol, with plugs removed will be placed in position, as directed in Abstract of Demolition (Appendix 2), will be tested for continuity half hourly, and more often if circumstances warrant.

Instructions will be issued to the O.C. “Demolition Party” at the O.T.P.D. installations to turn on all valves to enable fuel oil and motor spirit to gravitate back to wharf and pier.

Jibs of the 20 ton electric travelling cranes will be swung over the Western side of the Eastern Breakwater, so as to assist the cranes to topple over into the berthage space when cutting charges fired.

All doors, windows and trapdoors in sheds and buildings to be fired, will be opened so as to increase the draught, thereby assisting the burning when order is given to “Execute Demolition”.

(c) Execution of Demolition Order:-

“EXECUTE DEMOLITION”

This order will be delivered in writing to the Officer I/C. the demolition, and will be signed by the G.O.C. 5 Aust. Div.

On receipt of this order the following sequence of operations will follow:-

All Demolition charges will be fired on the Wharf along Eastern Breakwater, and No. 1 Pier. Working from the offshore end of Wharf and Pier back to the shore and, barrels of inflammable will be broken and ignited, ensuring that wharf buildings are well alight.

The main valves in the Fuel and Motor Spirit pipe lines on the wharf and pier will be turned on, and the spirit ignited.

During these operations, men not required should be detailed to move back to a place of safety and keeping the bare number of men required for the job.

Static Water Supply (Storage tanks), Molasses Storage Tank, Harbour Board Stone Crusher and machines and other explosive tasks, except the road and railway cratering, should then be blown.

Moving back along the Lane of Escape, buildings, storage sheds etc. will be fired, making sure that they are well ablaze before moving back to assemble again beyond the point where the cratering is to be effected.

Cratering will be blown when it is ascertained that all men and vehicles in the forward locality are cleared. Closest coordination with other Demolition Parties in the area must be maintained throughout, to ensure the success of all tasks.

Administration
6. The Commander of the Demolition Party will prepare plans which will enable him to assemble his Demolition Party at the pre-arranged assembly point.

The Demolition Party will receive instructions on Demolitions with due regard to the task on hand.

All explosives, detonators, stores, etc should be checked over at regular intervals to ascertain that they are in good condition.

Intercommunication
Headquarters of “Demolition Party” after “Warning Order” will be in the vicinity of shore end of Eastern Breakwater. Messages will be sent to Commander of “Demolition Party” by telephone and/or despatch rider.

PORT FACILITIES – TOWNSVILLE

APPENDIX 1

FOLIO 1

Description and Method of Destruction of Various Units
in Demolition Plan

Task allotted to No. 2 Section 11 Fd. Coy. R.A.E. 5 Div.

WHARF AND FACILITIES ALONG EASTERN BREAKWATER:-

(a) 2 – 20 TON TRAVELLING CRANES.
Constructed of steel, and electrically driven. Situated on North end of wharf.

METHOD
Two (2) legs on the Western side of each crane to be cut with explosives. Each leg to have two charges about 2 feet apart, (lower cut 12 lb., top cut 16 lbs.). Small charges of 1 lb. to be placed on each strut so as to remove all support on that side of crane. This should topple cranes over western side of wharf into berthage space.

(b) TRANSFORMER HOUSE
Constructed of concrete, and houses transformers. Situated in line as we work back to shore end of wharf.

METHOD
Puncture Transformers with picks or rifle bullets, and allow oil to run out, then fire.

(c) OVERSEAS CARGO SHED NO. 4
Wood and fibrolite structure with G.I. roof. double storied with sugar stored on upper floor, and mixed stores on the ground floor.

METHOD
100 lbs. of explosives allotted, made up in 4 lb. charges, 10 on upper floor, 15 on ground floor. To be used to blow holes in floor and thus create draught to assist burning. Few bags of sugar to be used for tamping charges.

Ground and upper floor to be soaked with petrol, and ignited.

(d) 3 – 3 TON, 1 – 5 TON AND A MOBILE CRANE
All manual cranes, constructed of wood, with steel fittings and base.

METHOD
12 lb. Charge of explosive packed at base of jib. Wrecking of jib and wooden structure with axe.

(e) SHED NO. 3
Wooden floor, walls and superstructure with fibrolite roofing. Contains some mixed stores.

METHOD
To be destroyed by fire. 60 lbs. of explosives allotted, made up in 4 lbs. charges, used for splintering uprights and floor.

(f) AUSTRALIAN S.S. PR. LTD. SHED NO. 2
Wooden floor and wooden wall on west side. G.I. wall on East side. Timber rafters and fibrolite roof. Contains mixed stores.

METHOD
To be destroyed by fire. 60lbs. of explosives allotted, made up in 4 lb. charges, used for splintering walls and floors.

(g) ADELAIDE S.S. CO. SHED NO. 1
Wooden floor and superstructure, G.I. walls and fibrolite roof. Contains some sugar and mixed stores.

METHOD
To be destroyed by fire. 60 lbs. of explosives allotted, made up in 4 lb. charges to be used for splintering walls and floors.

(h) FERRY LANDING
Timber piles and superstructures.

METHOD
To be destroyed by fire.

(i) WHARF ALONG EASTERN BREAKWATER
Timber piles and superstructures.

METHOD
Fuel oil to be run back onto wharf and saturate. Fuel oil to be initiate by drums of petrol at various points and ignited.

PIER NO. 1 AND FACILITIES
(j) 5 TON CRANE
Manual crane constructed of wood with steel fittings and base.

METHOD
12lb. charge of explosives laid at base of jib, wrecking of jib and wooden structure with axe.

(k) BURNS, PHILIP & CO. LTD SHED NO. 5
Wooden floor, walls and superstructure, G.I. roof.

METHOD
To be destroyed by fire. 60 lbs. of explosives allotted, made up in 4 lb. charges, to be used for splintering walls and floors.

(l) PIER NO. 1
Reinforces Concrete piles and superstructure.

METHOD
Petrol to be run back onto Pier and ignited from a safe distance (ignition could be brought about by exploding G.C. primers attached to a drum of Motor Spirit).

TASKS IN VICINITY OF WHARF:-

(m) MOLASSES STORAGE TANK AND VALVE HOUSE
Constructed of 5/8” plates rivetted. Valve House immediately alongside Molasses Tank.

METHOD
Destroy tank with explosives and release contents. Three (3) 5lb. Charges line around perimeter of tank 120º apart. Charges laid against tank and tamped with sandbags.

To Valve House 12 lbs. of explosives allotted to be used in 3 lb. charges. Further damage with sledge hammer.

(n) STATIC WATER SUPPLY (3 STORAGE TANKS)
Constructed of steel plates. Tanks rest on wooden beams which in turn are supported by concrete piers. Situated on Magazine Island. From these tanks, drinking water and water for firefighting is supplied to wharves and vicinity.

METHOD
Tanks to be destroyed with explosives and contents released. Three (3) charges of 5 lb. places against each tank around its perimeter approximately 120º apart. Charges to be tamped with sandbags. Charges to be fired electrically.

(o) HARBOUR BOARD STONE CRUSHER
Ordinary stone crusher and is driven by steam. Situated near entrance to Shell Co. At present, crusher not working.

METHOD
Boiler to be destroyed with explosives. Manhole door removed exposing crown of combustion chamber. 5 lb. Charge placed on crown and fired.

Steam engine. Destroy the cylinder (steam end) with a 4 lb. charge.

10 lb. charge placed in jaws of crusher and spare jaws dumped into Harbour.

(p) TWO (2) STEAM DRIVEN CRANES
Steam supplied by Donkey Boiler on crane. One crane situated on Harbour Board stone crusher, and at the southern end of Cleveland Bay Wool Dumping Co. Ltd.

METHOD
Manhole door - remove from boiler exposing crown of combustion chamber, and a 5 lb. charge places on crown and fired. Destroy the two (2) cylinders on each crane with 4 lb. charge on each cylinder.

A 3 lb. charge placed under centre of crankshaft.

(q) LOCOMOTIVE SHED
The shed is useless, but it houses an old type locomotive which is still usable.

METHOD
A 4 lb charge placed on each steam cylinder.

(r) TRANSFORMER HOUSE
Constructed of concrete and houses transformers. Situated near the Storage Depot and Zinc Concentrates.

METHOD
Puncture transformers with picks or rifle bullets, and allow oil to run out, then fire.

(s) PILEDRIVER PLANT
Boat and Piledriver constructed of wood. Situated in water near Harbour Board Office.

METHOD
At low tide the water here is very shallow, therefore burning would be the best. It is very old, and would burn easily.

(t) SHED NO. 6
G.I. Structure with steel superstructure, would not burn. Contains bags of cement, tools and stores, also 1 band saw, 1 rip saw, 1 electric drill.

METHOD
Tools and store salvaged, and 15 lbs. of explosives allotted to dispose of saws and drill.

(u) COAL DUMP AND SHEDS 7 – 13 (INCLUSIVE)
Location is shown on Sketch 1.

METHOD
To be destroyed by fire where possible.

(v) ROAD AND RAILWAY CRATERING
Position for line of cratering is shown on Sketch 1.

METHOD
Craters will be in a double line across road and r/way., at 13' centres. Holes will be set down to depth of 6’. Charges will be 60 lb. of Quarry Monobal. Bulling charges should be about 6 ozs. Charges will be fired electrically with alternate method of safety fuse and F.I.D. There will be eighteen charges.

DRAFT OF PROPOSED OPERATION ORDER

5 AUST. DIV. OPERATION ORDER NO.

Demolition Plan TOWNSVILLE Ocean Terminal Petroleum Depots

Ref. Map TOWNSVILLE 1 in. to 1 mile - Map Ref. 960865

Information
1. The general layout of the three installations owned by Shell Coy., Vacuum Oil Coy., and Caltex Ltd. is shown in Appendix No. 4.

2. General remarks regarding the plant, and method of attack are given in Appendices Nos. 1 and 2.

Intention
1. Tanks, equipment, liquid fuel and oil stocks, will be so destroyed that their use is denied to the enemy.

Method
1. Preparation for demolition will be made by the 15 Garrison Bn. Guard (O/C Demolition – Lieut. Lilley) In liaison with civilian personnel of the Depots.

A subsection of the 11 Fd. Coy. R.A.E. 5 Aust. Div. will be detailed to assist in the preparation and placing of charges.

2. Preparation will be made in accordance with “Method of Attack” Appendix No. 2 and “Demolition Abstract” Appendix No. 3.

3. Orders for demolition will normally be issued to the Garrison Bn. Guard by G.O.C. 5 Aust. Div., or by the Military Commander operating in that area.

Other demolition work will be carried out in this area, therefore the O/C. Garrison Bn. “Demolition Party” will work in liaison with the other “Party’s” O/C. so that each demolition will be blown in the correct sequence.

In grave emergency the O/C. Guard will use his own judgment. The orders will be issued in the following sequence:-

(a) Warning Order –

“TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES”

On receipt of this order, the guard will assemble explosives, stores and equipment at the installations. All liquid fuels, and oil in convenient forms will be evacuated from the site, in accordance with directions then in force.

Charges will be made up in their respective sizes, elect. detonators will be tested, safety fuse will be cut to 10 foot lengths and detonators fused.

Electric cable will be run out in position.

“Blanks” on all the “pipe lines” to the wharf and pier will be reversed to enable oil and spirit to run back.

“Swing pipe” on Tank No. 5 (Shell Oil Coy.) will be lowered.

Drums of motor spirit will be placed in position, ready to assist ignition.

(b) Preparation Order –

“PREPARE FOR DEMOLITION”

On receipt of this order, charges will be set, starting with the main tanks.

Manhole covers on “floating roofs’, Tanks Nos. 1, 2 and 3 (Shell Oil Coy.) will be removed, and tins of petrol with charge attached, placed ready to lower on roof. second will be laid ready about 7 feet to 10 feet from charges, and weighed down. Storm water outlet valves in compounds will be opened.

Electric circuits will be connected up and tested for continuity every half hour, or at shorter intervals if the circumstances demand it.

(c) Execution of Demolition Order –

“EXECUTE DEMOLITION”

On receipt of this order, the following sequence of operations will be followed:-
The main valves on the tanks, and the valves in the “pipe line” to the wharf will be manned and will be turned on, at the request of the O/C. “Wharf Demolition Party”.

Pumping plant, fittings, fire fighting equipment, gauging hatches on “floating roofs” (Tanks Nos. 1, 2 and 3 – Shell Oil Coy.) etc. will be destroyed with sledge hammers and axes.

Drums and containers not evacuated will be punctured. Sacking, will be soaked with kerosene and/or petrol.

(d) The Commander of the Guard, as soon as he is satisfied that the above operations have proceeded to an adequate stage, but not before the “Wharf Demolition Party” are off the wharf, will then issue the order:-

“BURN AND DESTROY”

Safety fuse and sacking will be ignited, starting at a point furthest from the escape lane. Ignite safety fuse at that point before igniting nearby sacking.

As soon as the party detailed for the above job reports back to the commander at the “Demolition Post”, he will give the order:-

“FIRE”

Whereupon all charges connected for electrical firing will be fired.

The Commander will ensure that the liquid fuel is thoroughly alight, and will assist ignition if necessary, by means laid down in Appendix No. 2.

Administration
The Comd. of the Garrison Bn. Guard at the Depots will requisition on Ordnance for the stores and equipment not yet received.

He will continually exercise his parties, according to this plan, taking care to cause no physical damage, using dummy explosives.

When additions are made to these installations, he will make the necessary amendments to the Plan and Demolition Abstract.

Intercommunication
H.Q. of “Demolition Party” will be the 15 Garrison Bn. Post at the oil depot's. Messages will be sent to Comd. 15 Garrison Bn. Guard by telephone and D.R.

ACK.

Signed ………………hrs                                   ……………………………….

DISTRIBUTION

Issued by …………..………

GENERAL REMARKS REGARDING OCEAN TERMINAL PETROLEUM DEPOTS.

(Shell Oil Co., Vacuum Oil Coy. and Caltex) MAGAZINE ISLAND – T’VILLE.

Ref. Map TOWNSVILLE 1 inch to 1 mile. Map Ref. 960865

The Shell Oil Coy’s. installation is situated on the EAST side of Magazine Island, and the Vacuum Oil and Caltex installations are on reclaimed land on the S.W. side. The whole of the tanks are enclosed by earth bunds or reinforced concrete walls. The flow of fuel or water from these compounds into Cleveland Bay is controlled by valves.

The prevailing winds are S.E. to EAST.
 

INSTALLATIONS

Shell Oil Coy.

(a) Ten large tanks, varying in diameter between 15 feet and 95 feet.

(b) Five overhead tanks (”Gravity” or “Service Tanks”) of 11,000 gal. capacity.

     Four overhead tanks (“Gravity” of “Service Tanks”) of 1,000 gal. capacity.

(c) Stocks of Fuel in drums is small, drums filled only when required.

Vacuum Oil Coy.

(a) Six large tanks varying in diameter between 40 feet and 72 feet.

(b) Four vertical, boiler type tanks – of 10,000 gal. capacity.

     Three vertical, boiler type tanks – of 14,000 gal. capacity.

(c) Stocks of Fuel in drums is small, drums filled only when required.

Caltex

(a) Six large tanks varying in diameter between 15 feet and 60 feet.

(b) Small drum stock.

METHOD OF HANDLING

(a) Motor Spirit and Fuel Oil is pumped through 8” and 6” pipe lines, from “Tankers”, at wharf. Oil or Motor Spirit maybe gravitated back to the wharf. Non-return valves in these lines, at the wharf end, would have to be opened before this could be done.

Caltex wharf line, connects to the Shell Coy’s line.

These lines are usually “Blanked Off” when pumping is not in progress. To enable the Spirit or Oil to be gravitated back to wharf these “Blanks” will have to be removed.

CONSTRUCTION OF TANKS

The tanks are constructed of plates, which may either be riveted or welded together. The plates vary on the bottom of the tank from ½” to 3/4” according to the size of the tank.

All the tanks sit on a bed of sand at ground level.

VALVES

Tanks are fitted with 8” and 6” Gate Valves with the exception of No. 3 Tank (Shell Oil Coy.). This tank is fitted with Dikker Valves.

Note:- The “Dikker Valve” is designed to act as a non-return valve, when the handle is in the halfway position. Therefore to use this as an outlet valve, it must be opened fully.

No. 5 Tank (Shell Oil Coy.) has a “swing pipe” connected to the valve, to allow the oil to be drawn off from the top. This pipe is operated by a winch and cable. This “swing pipe” must be lowered to the bottom of the tank before the valve is opened or demolished.

MANHOLES

Most of the tanks are fitted with manholes, on the side and on the roof.

PROTECTIVE WALLS

Protective walls of reinforced concrete, break, old brick and concrete, or being constructed around these tanks. The thickness of these walls at the base vary between 1’ 3” and 2’ 3”.

CAVITIES

Cavities have been provided in these walls, and these give access to the tank rim at three points on the perimeter.

 

METHOD OF ATTACK (THIS APPLIES TO THE THREE INSTALLATIONS).
MAIN TANKS

(a) Main tanks to be attacked with explosives at Valves, Manholes, and at three points around the bottom edge.

(b) Tanks Nos. 1, 2 and 3 (Shell Oil Coy.) Appendix No. will have the manhole cover plate removed and the “gauging hatch” on the “Floating roof” broken off to allow the roofs to sink. See Sketch 1 Figure 4.

(c) Charges will be placed on main valves, and secondary valves, as shown on sketch, according to type of valve. Sketch No. 1, Figs. 1, 2 & 3.

(d) The “swing pipe” attached to the main valve of No. 3 Tank (Shell Oil Coy.) - Diesel oil, must be lowered to the bottom of the tank. This is operated by a winch.

(e) The explosive charge for the tank rims will be 5 lbs. Gelignite. This will be placed in the cavities provided, and must be in close contact with the tank. See Sketch No. 1 and Fig. 5.

(f) Two charges of 18 ozs. will be used to destroy the main valves, and one charge of 20 ozs. on the 4” and 3” valves. These will be placed as shine on Sketch, according to type of valve.

All charges on one tank will be fired simultaneously. Where two or more charges are placed close together, F.I.D. or Primecord will be used.

(g) One 2 lb. charge will be placed on the manholes on the tank side, in the position shown on Sketch No. 1 Fig. 6.

GRAVITY OR SERVICE TANKS

These tanks will be attacked at the valves and outlet pipe - charge as in para. “f” “Main Tanks”.

VERTICAL BLENDING TANKS

3 lbs. charges will be placed in each cavity, or against the shell of the tank. The “Manholes” and “Valves” will be attacked as in para. “f” and “g” “Main Tanks”.

VALVE GROUPS

All valves in pipe line to be demolished, charge as in para. “f” “Main Tanks”.

PUMP AND MOTOR HOUSE

Pump motors and valves will be destroyed by explosives and hammers.

FOAM AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Portable plant will be destroyed with axes and hammers - mechanised plant will be attacked at the outlet valves with explosives.

STORE

Drums of petrol or kerosene to be punctured in store and fire started.

DRUM FILLED PLANT

Valves to be attacked as in para. “f” “Main Tanks”.

SWITCH HOUSE

By fire.

All main charges will be connected up for electrical firing. A duplicate method, using “safety fuse” will also be provided.

Final destruction will be by means of fire started in the compounds by means of lighted sacks, hessian attached to pick halves, lighted sticks of gelignite, “Molotov Cocktails” thrown from the windward side, on to the escaping spirit. Very light pistol or tracer bullets to be used if provided.

A charge consisting of a “Guncotton primer” will be attached to the bottom of a gallon tin of petrol, and this will be lowered onto the “floating roofs” of tanks 1, 2 and 3 (Shell Oil Coy.) after the “safety fuse” has been lit. This will ignite a Motor Spirit in these tanks.

The “Demolition Posts” shown on Appendix 4 would allow the two installations (Shell Oil Coy. and Vacuum Oil Coy.) to be blown simultaneously.