THESE rusted cast-iron bollards at South Mole were once crucial in keeping out enemy submarines during World War II.
Now they are rusting and wasting away and no-one seems to have noticed, a local historical archaeologist says.
• Dr Shane Burke with rusted cast iron remnants of a World War II winch used to pull up a steel net across the harbour. Photo by Emmie Dowling
Shane Burke from Notre Dame University is hosting a free public lecture on local forgotten war artefacts as part of the Fremantle Heritage Festival, which starts next week.
The old bollards, remnants of a winch, are among many war artefacts peppered along the coast that Dr Burke says go unrecognised by people today.
“People park right next to it and don’t realise what it is,” Dr Burke says. “I want to inform people and get them passionate about these important artefacts before they are completely forgotten.”
The winch had been used to pull up a steel net spanning the width of the harbour, blocking enemy submarines from entering Fremantle from 1939 to 1945.
After the war, it was unneeded and deconstructed in the mid-1960s.
Dr Burke’s one-hour lecture is at the ND42 Fremantle Hotel’s Michael Keating Room, near the corner of Cliff and High streets. It starts at 10.30am Monday, May 11. Visit http://www.fremantlestory.com.au.
by EMMIE DOWLING
