BOOM DEFENCE SOUTH PASSAGE
BETWEEN MORETON ISLAND AND
NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

An Admiralty War Diary dated 10 June 1942 stated:-

     "A fixed obstruction is also to be placed in South Channel between Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island.

The Department of Harbours and Marine were responsible for building the Anti-submarine Boom Defence. The use of floats was discussed with Naval authorities but it was considered too shallow for floats to be used extensively though they could be considered for sections where there was sufficient depth. The Department of Harbours and Marine directed the construction of two pile driving frames for use in the construction. It was suggested that the works be transferred to M.R. Hornibrook but they had too much priority work at that time.

A Naval Survey sketch dated Sep 1943 shows a “Boom Defence” under construction.

Closeup of the Boom Defence across South Passage.
The wreck of the Rufus King can be seen at the right.

HMAS Brisbane War Diary 1 January to 31 March 1944
"All Dolphins up to and including No. 60, but excluding the Gate Dolphins on the Amity Point side have been driven, and modifications to the floating sections have been completed."

"Working and Net punts especially constructed for work on this project, are nearing completion."

HMAS Brisbane War Diary 1 April to 30 June 1944
"All dolphins including gate dolphins are now completed, and the Working and Net punts are ready for use."

"Improvements in the war situation has permitted suspension of further work on this project."

The Mine Layer "Miner" probably taken after WWII

A newspaper article (Courier Mail 20 May 1953) indicated the ship “Miner”, a mine layer, had laid a “midget submarine net” across South Passage between Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island during WWII

Malcolm Knowles told me that there were many concrete blocks with loops of steel set in them still around in the 80s and 90s.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Peter Nunan, Russell Miller and John Perryman for their assistance with this web page.

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 18 November 2019

This page last updated 23 November 2020