Skirmish Battery

Typical flor plan for a coastal gun

Brief History

Also known as Woorim Battery, it was located on the south east corner of Bribie Island covering the eastern side of the entrance to the Brisbane port. Skirmish Battery was constructed by the Queensland Main Roads Commission. It was completed in late 1942 and became operational in early 1943. Skirmish Battery was constructed to protect Pearl Channel between Bribie Island and Moreton Island, and was equipped with two 155mm M1918A1 American guns.

The battery was used to train some of the newly formed Letter Batteries, with 'D', 'E', 'F' and 'L' Heavy Batteries being formed and trained at this location. The unit manning the battery was 'D' which had developed the site until, May 1943 after which 'P' Heavy Battery took over until it was dismantled in September 1944.

All local residents of Woorim had been evacuated out of the small township by the time "D" Battery had arrived at Skirmish Battery. The Officers took over the local hotel and the Sergeants and other ranks used the Ocean Beach Guest House as their messes. Other ranks took over as many houses as was needed to house them. Five or six to each house.

Unit Personnel

• Eric William Taylor 28 Nov 1942 - Apr 1943