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HISTORY OF WORK POINT BARRACKSby Jack BatesPART 10 — 1995 to 20222019FORT MACAULAY Due to the very heavy rains, certain areas of Fort Macaulay internal ring road were flooded, particularly at the left gun emplacement again. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Township of Esquimalt and the DND, the area was drained in three days.
FORT MACAULAY Additional rough cedar fencing has been installed in certain areas of the Fort, presumably to restrict errant two and four legged visitors from roaming. The existing fencing was installed in 2010. All done to preserve the sensitive areas as required by the DND in co-operation with the Township of Esquimalt and the lease requirements. Let’s hope people pay attention to this.
LOOKOUT 19TH CENTURY SURVEY MARKER TRANSFORMED INTO MONUMENT This article follows up the June 12, 2017 issue on Lt. Col. JG Holmes and the abandoned survey stone at Work Point Barracks utilized as a monument headstone for him and his wife at Ross Bay Cemetery in the family plot with their two sons. Great to see this project get finalized.
LOOKOUT BASE LIBRARY CLOSURE OPENS A NEW CHAPTER FOR LIBRARIAN This article in the Lookout is about the closure of the Base Library (building N 12) and the head librarian Cheryl Irwin, employed there since 2001. BC ARCHIVES This item at the BC Archives materialized which is of great interest to WW1 historians and others alike, is titled THE GREAT WAR 1914–1919. These photos are from the Ernest Crocker collection and include I would suggest almost all of the units that originated in Victoria and some notable events. Some pages of interest to Work Point Barracks and Macaulay Plains are: Pg 36 – 38… an Artillery Unit at Work Point - June 15, 1918; Pg 115 …15th Brigade CFA at Macaulay Plains – June 1916; Pg 166, 168 and 268 …88th Victoria Fusiliers at the Dockyard – August 26, 1914; Pg 170, 172… Nurses at Macaulay Plains – August 4, 1915; and personally, Pg 195 – 198 ….48th Bn at Willows Camp – June 15, 1915. Click here to view PDF file compliments of the BC Archives (large file). MACAULAY POINT PARK Today, Amanda Evans, leader of the Greater Victoria Green Team, and approximately 50 volunteers and Friends of Fort Macaulay along with 3 Esquimalt Parks employees, went to work through-out Fort Macaulay and Macaulay Point Park removing invasive species and cleaning up the areas. This is the second year of the Green Team involvement and the results are fantastic. Areas that were overgrown with blackberry bushes, Daphne, dead bushes, and Broom in all its glory have been cleaned out and natural wild flowering is now evident. The Park and Historic Fort Zone is alive again so to speak and new sight lines reveal the wonder and views the Park has to offer visitors. Well done Amanda, and looking forward to next year…. FORT MACAULAY Kate Humble and eight summer students from Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site accompanied myself and sister Marilyn Day on a one- and one-half hour interpretive tour of Fort Macaulay today. They now have the benefit of a personal visit to Fort Macaulay with impressions of how it is associated with Fort Rodd Hill. This was the first of tours that I will conduct in 2019 and a learning experience for us all, as their questions are from a younger generation with different perspectives. Things that do not change are the fantastic views and the waterfront presence, mixed in with historical interest of the Fort, it makes for a great visit. PPCLI Association Newsletter This edition came out today and included an article I wrote for the issue on the historical buildings in Work Point that retain the 1994 PPCLI Dedications and plaques. Page 41. Also, on page 40, there is an article on the Battle of Kapyong with a tribute to Lt. Mike Levy, still a controversial topic, and a quest for official recognition in the form of legacy by the Regiment, pursued by Major (ret’d) Murray Edwards, who will be 100 years old in January 2020. FORT MACAULAY DAY Under threatening skies, the 6th Annual Fort Macaulay Historic Interpretation Event was held. After kind opening remarks by Mayor Barb Desjardins, piped in by C Scot R piper Roger McGuire, and a quick response by myself where I mentioned our dear departed friend Greg Evans, the day began. In attendance again was the VEMRA, CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum, Esquimalt Archives, the Lions Club of Esquimalt BBQ, 2483 PPCLI Army Cadets, Esquimalt Photography Club and for the first time a display from the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, “Welcome.” We missed 2 other usual displays on account of the uncertain weather, understandable of course and vehicles which had intended on participating. The cadets practiced their line and field telephony skills under the instruction again by Adam Miles and also helped in setup and take down. “Precisely” at 10:30 I conducted a tour of the Fortress with initially 50 people however by 11:00 am the rain had started and increased in downfall where we were walking in puddles so all 50 didn’t finish. Many of the numerous people who showed up for the event also departed early. I loaned my umbrella to Roger McGuire to keep his uniform dry, which didn’t do me any good, and we finished the tour at 11:30. Clearly this rain put “a damper” on things. After enjoying the Lions BBQ under tents, we closed down just after 12:00 noon. This was the first rain out in 6 years so don’t expect it again next year !! Thank you to all who attended and persevered, it was still worthy as the Fort and park in general was in its best appearance since we started holding the event. I even noticed inside the buildings had been cleared of debris, and the work by the “Friends of Fort Macaulay Field Force” was very evident in revealing more of the concrete structures outlines while the painting was pleasant to see and remarked on. For all the preparation I thank Marilyn Day, Bill Armit, Ellis Meads, Mike Phillips, Bill Glover, Bruce Dickey and of course the Esquimalt Parks crews and administration for their indulgence. As well anyone who “picks up” and helps to maintain the presentation of the Fort for visitors including reporting of any unsightly “tagging” they may see. A video was produced by my good friend Bruce Dickey, thank you Bruce, it was a wet day! Click here to view this video.
2483 PPCLI Cadet Corps It was a nice sunny day on the parade square of Work Point Barracks for the 66th Annual Ceremonial Review. With flags flying, representatives from numerous local organizations, family and friends, gathered for the event. The cadets: colour party, band and two platoons were such a treat to watch, “as usual” in their drill and deportment. The reviewing officer was B Gen (ret’d) Larry Gollner, OMM, CD. An ardent stakeholder in the PPCLI Cadet Corps, as with last year’s reviewing officer Lt Gen (ret’d) Kent Foster, the PPCLI was very well represented. I had the personal honour, amongst all the trophy presentations, of presenting the marksmanship award, the “Robert Walker” trophy to “the best shot.” The PPCLI and QOR of C Associations presented donation cheques, as well as from the PPCLI Hamilton Gault Fund, to the cadet corps. A highlight of the day was the promotion to Major of Captain Madeleine Dahl, the cadet corps Commanding Officer. Well deserved, she has been a stalwart of the cadet corps for eleven years I believe, I have known her for eight of those years. She has been the Commanding Officer twice, and will be turning over command of the cadet corps in January 2020. “Excellence in Person.” After the ceremonial review, awards and a band demonstration, which always delights the audience, all retired to the “Gun Room” in the Nixon Building for a BBQ and social time. Such an inspiring location, on the shore of Rose Bay, overlooking the entrance to Victoria Harbour with a view of the Olympic Mountains; Work Point Barracks dates back to 1888, still exhibiting its splendor, and worthy of being part of “Campus Pacific” of the Royal Canadian Navy with all its previous military history represented by the classic historical buildings still in use on the site. A Home Video is available from Bruce Dickey at the PPCLI Association and many photos are posted on the 2483 PPCLI Cadet Corps Facebook Site.
FORT MACAULAY On the 5 pm news hosted by CHEK TV covering D Day ceremonies, the introductory backdrop for the item was the tunnel entrance at the Fort with “1895” stamped above the archway. WORK POINT BARRACKS Today is the 25th anniversary of the departure of 3 PPCLI from Work Point Barracks, en route to Chilliwack and eventually to Edmonton which is currently their home station.
FORT MACAULAY At this time, I would like to commend the efforts of the “Friends of Fort Macaulay Field Force” who have been cleaning up the site, exposing the structures for the expressed pleasure, curiosity and interest of visitors, painting the buildings and gun emplacements and reporting the “Tagging,” or should I say “Vandalism and Graffiti,” to the authorities for maintenance. WORK POINT BARRACKS Construction within Work Point attributed to the Greater Victoria Wastewater Treatment Project has been going on since 2017, including stockpiling of materials and creation of a staging area on the two ball fields, (hopefully they will come back “into play.”) Historically, this area was part of “Macaulay Plains.” Also, the former civilian house at 981 Vaughan Avenue is behind fencing and alleged to being restored post construction of the adjacent Macaulay Point Pump Station. There are road closures, truck traffic, all in good order, hopefully the stone house at 300 Victoria View and the waterfront searchlight bunkers with-stood the adjacent blasting, and I haven’t seen or heard of any artifacts “dug up” although I expect a number of “abandoned” underground communication and electrical cables would have, and will, cross paths. Quite a change in engineering and construction from the original 1914 sewer project where tunneling was the main feature of the day and open trenching employed in only a couple of locations en route to the original Macaulay Point outfall.
Three items of note from 1914 in newspaper articles:
WORK POINT BARRACKS Today was the graduating parade of the annual Raven Program held at Work Point Barracks. 40 cadets finalized today and were reviewed on the parade square in a very formal manner. The venue is partially what draws the indigenous youth to the program, where you can train and reside all found in a waterfront campus environment, with traditional and contemporary military themes. FORT MACAULAY Along with 12 members from the BC Historical Federation, we toured Fort Macaulay today. It was a great day and the Fort was in good shape, thanks to Esquimalt Parks, sister Marilyn and Bill Armit for keeping it presentable, a pleasant difference from five or six years ago at least. This group of historians related to the Fort, and other now abandoned sites of the Victoria Esquimalt Coast Defence locations, particularly those in Victoria, Oak Bay and Saanich. The BC Historical Federation publications are well worth reading, a very dedicated group. In the Victoria Historical Society Publication - Newsletter 53 – 2019, there is a write up of the field trip.
FORT MACAULAY Two summer students from the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum and I toured Fort Macaulay today. They are both history students and were really interested in seeing the Fortress. They were comparing the evolution of Macaulay Point, Fort Macaulay and Fort Rodd Hill while focusing on the big picture of Coastal Defence of Victoria and Esquimalt harbours in the 19th and 20th centuries. Of course, they were amazed at the preserved condition of the fort understanding that when Fort Rodd Hill became a national Historic Site, Work Point Barracks, including Fort Macaulay was operational, and garrisoned by regular Canadian Armed Forces. As well, the scenic waterfront presence was impressive to them. A great mini tour for myself and these two students of local military history. One of the students even took the time to pick up some trash left by park users and place in the garbage can. A sign of good things to come. FORT MACAULAY A little reflection; every time I visit the fort, whether to volunteer time or a walk about, I meet visitors from various locations, and I might say, from around the world, all looking to engage with some sort of our local military history. This works very well in the lease of the Park, mainly the historic fort zone; “For recreational use and historic interest.” DOCKYARD TOUR
SIGNAL HILL TOUR
LOOKOUT VETERANS REMEMBER FALLEN COMRADE OF 50 YEARS AGO M Cpl (Retired) Ray Weeks visited Work Point Barracks to commemorate his friend, Rifleman Harold George, who was killed during a training accident on the Sooke River on September 24, 1969. Weeks, who lives in Gold Coast, Australia, was in town to attend a memorial ceremony in Sooke in honour of his friend and platoon mate. For more on the Queen’s Own Rifles and a special web page dedicated to George visit their web site: WORK POINT BARRACKS After the recent tour of Fort Macaulay on August 14th by the Victoria Historical Society, the group wanted to tour Work Point Barracks, so we did this today. Eight members of the Society and a member of the CFB Esquimalt Public Affairs attended the walk about, and the weather co-operated. We finished by having lunch at the Galley, a delightful morning. As usual, collectively, the group was impressed by the views offered of Victoria Harbour and the historical buildings, including the former Work Point Guardhouse, privately owned since 2005. Of particular interest was the heritage status of the buildings, with reference to the FHBRO reports and the review process. There was also mention of the Hallmark Society pictures of the 1970’s and the 1996 book by Segger and Franklin on Victoria’s Architecture, which included Work Point Barracks and other historical buildings at CFB Esquimalt.
LOOKOUT NAVAL AND MILITARY MUSEUM LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum has just launched a dynamic new version of its informative website at www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org It features new content, new resources for researchers, and a new look and feel. This is the third iteration of the museum site, which is now in its 19th year. During that period, millions of people have visited the website to learn about the history and heritage of the naval presence on Canada’s west coast, and of the military on southern Vancouver Island. The latest rollout of the site follows months of intensive effort by the Ardent West Creative Directors Denis Eve and Olivia Hernandez, in co-operation with the museum’s webmaster and exhibit designer Clare Sharpe. Sharpe has worked on the museum’s online presence consistently since 2000, when the first website for CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum was designed by volunteer Wayne Lidstone. In 2013, the site was redesigned again, by Joseph Kotopski, a graduate from Q College, and served the museum well for several years. Sharpe is delighted with the Mark III reorganization and redevelopment of the site, and says its usefulness has already been demonstrated. “We’re getting a strong positive response to the new site, in just a few short days of going live. “The fact that it now includes effective contact forms and artifact donation forms is enabling museum staff to communicate well with our visitors and potential donors, and has enhanced our accessibility.” The fact that the site has been fully optimized for mobile devices, with a strong and engaging visual aesthetic, is another big plus. “Obviously, the look and feel of the website is very important, and we love its style, appearance and layout,” Sharpe commented. She notes that the old website, being from the era that it was, “was at best mobile friendly-ish.” But the new website is completely responsive in layout and design for all potential platforms and devices. All images and pdf downloads are organized, named and presented in a significantly improved user-friendly manner to enhance the experience of the users and to maximize their searchability on Google. In addition, the navigational structure and architecture ensures that users will find it much easier to retrieve content and documentation relevant to their interests. “We believe it’s a major step forward in sharing our museum and archives with a wider online community,” says Sharpe. NAVAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA PRESENTS MUSEUM WITH DONATION At the offices of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum the Naval Association of Canada’s National President Bill Conconi presented a cheque for $2,000 to the museum’s curator Debbie Towell. Also present was Paul O’Rielly, a museum volunteer who supports the museum’s archiving function. The funds will be used to support the museum’s digital imaging project which is an ongoing effort by the museum to digitally scan photographs held in their archives or donated to the museum. “This donation will help us to add more images to our archives in a way that will preserve them for posterity and allow historical researchers and the general public greater access to those images,” stated Debbie Towell. The museum funds this effort through monies received from admissions donations at the door, research fees and donations by individuals and organizations like the Naval Association that understand the value of the project. “Images from our past are very valuable in our understanding of our naval and military history and the Naval Association of Canada is delighted to be able to support the important efforts of the museum in this respect,” stated Bill Conconi. The museum is open during winter visiting hours from Monday to Friday 10:00 to 3:30. For more information see the museum website at: www.navalandmilitarymuseum.org FORT MACAULAY To bring to light photographs taken at Fort Macaulay in WW 2, I toured the fort with Lesley Phillips, daughter of Gunner Jack Stevens ( 5th Heavy Battery, RCA ) who was active at the fort 1938 to 1940, and sister Marilyn Day, who parlayed some of the fort’s history from her Esquimalt days to Lesley. Jack Steven’s Photos – 1940, Courtesy Esquimalt Archives.
FORT MACAULAY After some heavy rain, the left gun area was draining fine however the crew shelter and right gun position had standing water to keep your feet wet as you walked by. It would be interesting to try and find the catch basins that used to be functional at these two locations.
OPCMH The CFB Esquimalt Fleet Diving School discovered and salvaged off Royal Roads waters a ship’s anchor attributed to the sinking of two ships during a terrible storm in this area on April 14, 1883. The anchor is now displayed, painted white, just inside the Dockyard gates at the Fleet Maintenance Facility building.
The article below is from the Colonist April 17, 1883: ROYAL ROADS It is easy to be wise after the event, but it is not always easy to extract a valuable lesson from a dire disaster. The calamity of Saturday, which involved the loss of four fine ships, is the most disastrous occurrence of the kind that has happened in this vicinage. At first blush it would seem as if the reputation of the Roads with shipmasters and insurers must suffer. But when the fact is stated that the anchors in every case held it will be seen that to the weakness of the tackle and not to the insecurity of the holding ground is to be attributed the disaster. Had the anchors dragged and the ships gone ashore, then the reputation of the Roads must have been seriously compromised. But such was not the case. The Tiber and the Duke of Argyle rode out the gale in safety, although their positions were as exposed as their less fortunate sisters. Their tackle was strong and withstood the strain; while the tackle of other ships parted and their ruin was complete. The lesson which, we think, may be learned from this most deplorable occurrence is this: All ships seeking a charter and anticipating an indefinite stay at this port should elect their anchorage in Esquimalt Harbor, where there is plenty of room and security from wind from any quarter. The Swiftsure, Mutine, GW Elder and Ivanhoe, all lay inside Esquimalt Harbor and suffered no inconvenience from the gale. The pilots should be instructed by the board of commissioners to caution shipmasters that unless their tackle is strong they should seek an inside berth. The cost of entering the harbor is nominal and, when compared with the perfect immunity from disaster they will enjoy, is the merest bagatelle. FORT MACAULAY In likely the last tour of Fort Macaulay I would conduct this year, two local Royal Canadian Navy gentlemen accompanied me, Peter Fraser and Kevin Purdy. Both interested in local military and naval history, they added to the topics of the naval guns that had been employed at Fort Macaulay. From a “visit the site” principle they were impressed in the appearance and soundness of the structures, and concluded that more visits were intended; perhaps with even a works crew, to be coordinated with the Township of Esquimalt. Planning is underway! OPCMH During the surprise demolition of WP 1030, the 1897 brick magazine associated with the commemorated Saluting Battery in Work Point (see October 5, 2014) a “Canister Shot” projectile was unearthed by the contractor. This projectile dates back to 1874 and is currently in my possession. It would have been employed by the 3 - 7 inch RML cannons, or guns, in place at Macaulay Point from 1878 – 1895, and also at Work Point Barracks, in anti-personnel defence of an attack at Rose Bay, along with 13 pdr field guns. The profile of the Saluting Battery remains.
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