The First Shots -
To log a find on this Virtual Rewards 2.0 Geocache you are required to take a photo at one of the signs stating when the first shot was fired, or a photo of the guns.
Your photo must include you or your GPSr or your geocaching name and your photo must be uploaded with your online log.
There is no need to send the photo to me.
Logs submitted with no photo attached will be deleted!
Please take your time and explore the fort and surrounds while you are here.
Fort Nepean –
Located at the very end of the Mornington Peninsula, Fort Nepean enables visitors to step into the boots of the soldiers once posted there. Discover a series of military fortifications dating back to the 1880s, explore the tunnels, forts and gun emplacements. During the late 19th century the government decided that Victoria’s fertile goldfields needed protection so, thanks to its strategic position, Fort Nepean became an important defence post. Numerous military fortifications soon were built, making it one of the most heavily defended harbours in Australia. These battlements were modified and used until the end of World War ll.
The first shot of the British Empire in WWI and the first Australian shot of WWII were fired from Gun Emplacement 6, earning its entry into military history.
WWI -
On 5 August 1914, the German ship SS Pfalz attempted to escape from Port Phillip. Within minutes of being notified that war had been declared, Lieutenant-Colonel Sandford at Fort Queenscliff gave an order to Lieutenant C Morris, the Fire Commander at Fort Nepean, to "stop her or sink her". After the Pfalz ignored signals to halt, the B1 gun fired across her bow. The Pfalz then turned around and the crew was arrested at Portsea.
The First Shots
The gun today, centre, preserved barrel 1489 which fired the first shot of World War I. To the left is barrel 1317 which fired Australia's first shot of World War II.
To log a find on this Virtual Rewards 2.0 Geocache you are required to take a photo at one of the signs stating when the first shot was fired, or a photo of the guns.
Your photo must include you, your GPSr or your geocaching name and must be uploaded with your online log.
Please take your time and explore the fort and surrounds while you are here.
Please note:
Some features at the fort are currently closed from either COVID restrictions or maintenance/safety issues.
Please obey all signs and restrictions and stay safe.
For further information follow this link:
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/point-nepean-national-park/attractions/fort-nepean.
Bibliography:
wikipedia
Congratulations on your first FTF jaamc_3335
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.