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Observation Posts

Observation Posts have been a necessary part of any coastal fort for a long, long, time. As the ranges of gun increased, there was a need to set O.P.s further out away from the actual emplacement. As mentioned in the previous article, this enabled a system of battery fire to develop called the counter-bombardment or Fortress system of fire. The advent of radar in the early 1940's further improved surveillance. Six sites were eventually used as observation posts around the Wellington area. Cape Terawhiti (which had originally been a coast watching station), Sinclair Head, Moa Point (see Palmer Head), Beacon Hill, Baring Head and Turakirae Head. Sinclair Head was easily the most substantial of all the posts. When the war broke out a number of new buildings were added to the post, these included new kitchen, living quarters and water supply. The other posts are smaller but contain structures of similar design to some of those at Sinclair Head.

The Observation Post of Sinclair Head

Possibly the radar post. Its directly behind the O.P. Base for the radar at the right?

The only other two buildings that are left standing. Not sure what they were used for.

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