With the advent of World War II, construction of military installations on Mount Tomaree at Port Stephens took place during 1941 and 1942. These facilities comprised gun emplacements, observation posts, a radar facility and support buildings. The area became known as Fort Tomaree.

Mount Tomaree with the military buildings at the base and the radar station on the summit [circa 1942]

To ensure the security of the new fort facilities and the military personnel stationed there, it was essential that the area be adequately camouflaged to prevent sightings by enemy aircraft.

Documents held by the National Archives of Australia provide an insight into problems encountered during the construction phase to provide adequate camouflage. These are set out in this paper.

Report by Consulting Military Engineer – 1941

In a letter marked ‘Secret’ and dated 27 September 1941 [National Archives of Australia Series no. MP508/1], The Chief Engineer, Eastern Command, expressed concern regarding an accident that resulted in the scarring of the hill below no. 1 gun foundation on Mount Tomaree.

The letter stated:

“The unfortunate occurrence of kaolin deposit from the No. 1 gun foundation excavation being allowed to run down the cliff face happened through sheer negligence of the officer in charge of the work from the Department of Interior and/or the contractors. The Chief Engineer personally issued a suitable warning to both these authorities prior to the accident. The spoil heap coupled with subsequent heavy rain was the cause. Treatment to eradicate the marking of the cliff face will be given, and camouflage experts are now determining efficient measures for this objective.”

No. 1 Gun Emplacement [Author photo, July 2013]

The hill opposite no 1 Gun Emplacement that required remedial camouflage work [Author photo, June 2023].

Report of Technical Director of Camouflage – 1942

In a letter marked ‘Secret’ and dated 24 February 1942, the Brigadier, General Stall, Eastern Command, directed that deficiencies with the camouflage of facilities at Fort Tomaree, and other military forts in the Newcastle area, be rectified. The Brigadier noted his impression of a lack of keenness concerning concealment.

The following material held by the National Archives of Australia [Series no. SP1048/7] summarises concerns with the progress of providing ample camouflage on Fort Tomaree.

The Technical Director of Camouflage (W. J. Dakin) visited various military forts at Newcastle and Port Stephens (Mount Tomaree) on 17 and 18 February 1942, in company with Col. Dobson and Lieut. Dodd. His report detailed the actual state of the camouflage work at the various forts.

He expressed the opinion that:

“Delays have been unavoidable owing to Australian labour conditions, which are ridiculous in total war. The fact remains that the work has taken too long. It is also clear the even simple camouflage requires constant supervision of the labour concerned. There is no feeling of urgency or keenness in the ranks.” His report continued: “Concealment is playing a most important part in this war and every effort should be made to see that work on concealment goes at a rapid pace.”

Camouflage Report for Fort Tomaree – 1942

“The actual work of concealment at Tomaree is only partially satisfactory. This seems largely due to the fact that Lieut. Dodd (who should be watching this important area) has been called away constantly to attend to scattered districts elsewhere in Eastern Command area. It is also due to the lengthy presence of the construction labourers. ……

The large O. P. (observation post) between the guns at Tomaree has not yet been properly camouflaged for the above reasons. It is most difficult to make untrained N. C. O.’s (non-commissioned officers) or workmen (in this case) carry out this work without constant guidance. The O. P. has been observed by me from the air and I can safely say that unless its concealment is better it will give everything away. Its importance necessitates the presence of a trained camoufleur for a week.

Instructions for improvement were given and methods for such discussed on the spot with Col. Dobson and Lieut. Dodd:

1. It is most essential at this Fort that steps be taken to bind down fresh sloping earth surfaces, to cover them with ti-tree or other brushwood which will hide as well as prevent movement and erosion and encourage vegetable growth.

2. The O. P. at the very top of the hill has been badly designed and will need more camouflage as a result. The method for carrying this out was laid down. It should result in the O. P. appearing only slightly above artificial rocks.

3. It will be essential for the main road to the fort to be carefully dull-toned and the spoil on the lower side of the road to be treated with paint or bitumen, or in other places covered with brushwood. This however, must in part be left until the concrete work and resulting heavy lorry traffic have finished.”

Radar Station on summit of Mount Tomaree showing camouflaged base [circa 1942],

Remains of the camouflaged base of the former radar installation on the summit of Mount Tomaree [Author photo, July 2023].

The inside of the above camouflaged radar base showing indents of the chicken wire used to mould the internal concrete roof. The concreted rocks below the roof are a post-war addition to stabilise the remains of the structure [Author photo, July 2023].

Conclusion of the Report

“The general work of camouflage in the area inspected (viz: Newcastle and Tomaree) has been fully planned and has all been commenced. The stage reached should have been attained several weeks ago. The delays have been due to difficulties (which should never have occurred) in making material available on the spot, and in providing enough satisfactory labour. These delays are not the fault of the Camouflage Officers. There is still a general tendency in Australia to under-estimate the importance of concealment. It is most essential that the expert camouflage officers should be enabled to stay on the spot when untrained labour is carrying out this work.”

Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

December 2022