Faces of Fort Largs Photo Exhibition

Faces of Fort Largs Photo Exhibition

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2015-01-29 by Dave Walshfollow

Thu 26 Mar 2015 - Fri 24 Apr 2015



During the reign of Queen Victoria Australians became increasingly concerned about the threat of foreign invasion. As a consequence coastal defences were built near major cities in New South Wales , Victoria and South Australia.

Three coastal forts were planned for South Australia - Fort Largs , Fort Glanville , and Fort Glenelg. Fort Glanville was completed first, but later dwindled in importance due to the superior firepower of Fort Largs. Guns were purchased for Fort Glenelg, but the fort was never built and the guns eventually returned to England.



From 1883 until the 1950's Fort Largs played a significant role in South Australia's military history. Many World War 1 soldiers enlisted at Fort Largs before fighting at Gallipoli and other places overseas. An internment camp operated at Fort Largs briefly before being moved to Torrens Island .

During the Depression Fort Largs played a part when civilians were armed with rifles and bayonets to help break a strike by Port Adelaide waterfront workers.



World War 2 saw Fort Largs being expanded, with a new Barracks and Drill Hall being built. While the artillery guns were temporarily relocated to Fort Malta , Fort Largs remained a hive of activity throughout the war.



The fort became the first Womens' Royal Australian Army Corps barracks in Australia after the war until it was sold in 1961 to the SA government to be used as the Fort Largs Police Academy. Since that time much of the fort's military heritage was carefully preserved until 2011, when a new police academy was built next door.



In its 130 year history thousands of men and women have lived and worked at Fort Largs. The fort is a monument to their commitment, sacrifice and dedication to service.

Some families have been associated with Fort Largs for generations, and have family members who worked in the military, and others who are now SA police officers. The fort is not just bricks and mortar - it is the embodiment of a tradition. The contributions of our military and SA police heroes demand respect, and the free aims to showcase some of the human face of Fort Largs.



The contains many rare historical photos from the archives of the Army Museum of South Australia , the SA Police Historical Society , and the Australian War memorial . It documents some of the highlights of fort activities over more than a century, and is sponsored by National Trust of South Australia's Heritage Watch campaign.

Two local photographers have also contributed stunning night time images of contemporary Fort Largs, which is at risk of being sold to a developer and being demolished.



The Faces of Fort Largs travelling photo exhibition is being held at the Port Adelaide Library . It's well worth visiting to view the seldom seen images of life at the fort in the last hundred years. After seeing the exhibition why not stay and browse their wonderful Local History Collection.



The National Trust of South Australia is proud to present this unique exhibition, and gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Army Museum of South Australia, the SA Police Historical Society, and the Semaphore and Port Adelaide RSL.

Please check the Port Adelaide Library website for opening hours.

#attractions
#child_friendly
#exhibitions
#family
#family -attractions
#free
#fun_for_children
#fun_things_to_do
#greater_adelaide
#guides
#history
#horse_riding
#largs_bay
#learn_something
#near_adelaide
#port_adelaide
#semaphore
#semaphore -park
#semaphore -south
#south_australia
#things_to_see
#western_suburbs
#february
#april
#march
!date 26/03/2015 -- 24/04/2015
%wnadelaide
103590 - 2023-06-12 10:47:57

Tags

Free
Outdoor
Festivals
Music
Markets
Nightlife
Family_friendly
Fundraisers
Food_drink
Community
Arts_culture
Random
Educational
Shopping_markets
Theatre_shows
Copyright 2022 OatLabs ABN 18113479226