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RAAF 36 Radar Station, Horn Hill
Horn Island Radar Station
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RAAF 36 Radar Station was first erected by the RAAF on nearby Hammond Island during March-April 1942 to provide the first Air Warning (AW) radar coverage for the Torres Strait and early warning for Japanese air raids on Horn Island Airfield. In August 1943 the radar station was transferred to Horn Island, where it operated until 1945. The Horn Island site is located southeast of the airfield, on top of Horn Hill—the highest point on the island.
The place comprises two small concrete igloos - each 5m by 4m with a doorway at one end - and the radar tower site. A later dwelling is located alongside one of the igloos. A portion of the rear wall of one igloo has been demolished to form a second entrance.
The radar tower site occupies the southern peak of Horn Hill amongst an area of rock outcrops. The site contains the collapsed remains of an early AW radar tower, including the steel spindle; a turntable connected to the spindle; and angle steel sections of the tower legs and trusses. Around the tower site are several sections of cement-covered wire netting, moulded into the shape of large rocks, which camouflaged the radar transmitter/receiver hut. The site of the RAAF camp was to the south of the radar tower site.
Place information
Location
Place type
Radar/signal station
History
During August 1943 RAAF 36 was dismantled and moved to the top of Horn Hill, the highest point on Horn Island, where the radar was re-erected and operational by 27 August. A US radar unit, the 565th Warning Station, had previously operated from the southeast corner of Horn Island.
The radar station camp at the base of Horn Hill initially consisted of a corrugated iron building, with guttering which fed two water tents at each end of the building. Water was scarce on Horn Island and supplies had to be carted to the camp daily, in 44 gallon drums. The camp...
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