Princess Royal Fortress
Background History
Princess Royal Fortress Military History
The importance of Albany as a military establishment is greatly under-rated. The Princess Royal
Fortress was constructed in 1893 as a response to the Russian threat on Albany's Coal shipment for English warships
and supply convoys and is probably the first practical example of Federation, as all colonies co-operated to build Forts at Albany and at
Thursday Island off the Queensland coast. The Fortress was used during both World Wars and since it was decommissioned, has
been turned into a military museum and a major tourist attraction for West Australia. The collection contains great detail
about the building of the Forts, the details of the garrisons, the uses of the Forts during both World Wars,
and its reinvigoration as a museum and tourist attraction, especially since its refurbishment and re-modernization processes.
In addition, Albany's part in Australia's defence is well noted. Albany was the departure point for the troop
convoys that went to World War I including the famous Anzac convoy of 1914. Photographs and a film relating
to that great event in Australia's history are available. Albany was also a US submarine base during World War II
and many details of that period are also available at the Princess Fortress. The Anzac Day Dawn Service was inaugurated
in Albany in 1930 by Padre Arthur White and many items relating to the Dawn Service are also held.
The Princess Royal Fortress has been restored to its original Specifications, as was used
during its period of active service during WW1 and Partially during WW2. Some buildings were thought to be beyond
restoration, however, intensive reconstruction has brought about an almost perfect transformation.
As this site does have involvement with The Princess Royal Fortress, for more Details, Information and Contact purposes - Please Refer to the Primary Princess Royal Fortress Website:
www.web.org.au/forts/index.htm