3-076-598 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Students on the Long Course at the NSW School of Gunnery Middle Head,1892. Additional Info: Middle Head peninsula includes Georges Heights, Georges Head and Middle Head. Fortifications of Sydney Harbour began in the early 1800's but with the departure of the British troops from Australian colonies in 1870 building of the forts began in earnest. Following rumours of war and possible invasion, in 1870 the Legislative Council voted funding for the fortification of Middle, Georges and Bradleys Heads. Above Middle Head and Georges Head, on the eastern edge of the Mosman plateau, is the area now known as Georges Heights. Originally this area formed part of Georges Head. The old casement battery of 1872 at Georges Head is still intact. Another round of fortifications in the 1880's saw the construction of an armoured uppper casement battery on Georges Head with above ground emplacements.