Green Hill Fort is a historic military installation on Thursday Island, part of the Torres Strait Islands, Australia. Built in the late 19th century, the fort played a crucial role in defending Australia’s northern waters. Though it never saw combat, it remains a significant piece of military history and a popular heritage site today.
The Strategic Importance of Thursday Island
Thursday Island, located in the Torres Strait, was a key location for trade and shipping routes between Australia and Asia. By the late 1800s, the British Empire saw the need to defend this region, particularly against potential threats from Russia. This concern was driven by the growing Russian naval presence in the Pacific and fears of an attack on British-controlled territories.
To strengthen defenses in northern Australia, the Queensland government, with support from the British military, planned the construction of Green Hill Fort on the island.
Construction of Green Hill Fort
Work on Green Hill Fort began in 1891, and it was completed in 1893. Built on Green Hill, one of the highest points on Thursday Island, the fort had a strategic view over the Torres Strait, allowing British and Australian forces to monitor and defend against enemy ships.
The fort was constructed using reinforced concrete and brick, with thick walls designed to withstand artillery attacks. The layout included:
- Three heavy gun emplacements, each with 6-inch breech-loading (BL) cannons
- A network of underground tunnels and magazines to store ammunition
- Barracks and observation posts for soldiers stationed at the fort
Despite its impressive construction, Green Hill Fort never fired a shot in battle. No direct threats to Thursday Island materialized, and the fort primarily served as a deterrent against potential invaders.
World War I and World War II
During World War I (1914-1918), the fort remained operational, though the expected Russian threat never materialized. Instead, it was used for military training and coastal defense.
In World War II (1939-1945), the Torres Strait region became a critical defense point against Japanese forces advancing through the Pacific. However, by this time, Green Hill Fort was considered outdated. Newer defense installations, such as Horn Island Airfield, took over primary defense duties.
Japanese air raids in 1942 targeted areas near Thursday Island, but Green Hill Fort was not directly attacked. The fort’s role diminished further as newer technology replaced coastal artillery.
Post-War and Present-Day Green Hill Fort
After World War II, the fort was decommissioned and abandoned. By the late 20th century, efforts were made to preserve it as a heritage site. Today, Green Hill Fort is a major tourist attraction and historical landmark on Thursday Island.
Visitors to the fort can explore:
- The original gun emplacements
- Underground tunnels and storage areas
- A museum housed inside the fort, displaying artifacts from the region’s military history
- From the fort, panoramic views of the Torres Strait provide a stunning reminder of its strategic importance.
