The plans and drawings in this series are a varied collection but relate mostly to the fortification of Port Phillip Bay at sites such as Point Franklin, Point Nepean, Swan Island, Point Gellibrand and Queenscliff. Many of these drawings contain details of sections and elevations, buildings and gun placements. They are on papers embracing a wide range of weights and sizes. Some are transparencies suitable for the taking of prints. Others are on linen or heavy canvas such as those giving the construction details of the batteries and allied works at Point Franklin and Fort Gellibrand. Both these latter carry the acknowledging signature of the selected contractor, and are of the period 1888-93; their heavy duty sheets measure approx. 24" x 30", and bear the stamp of the Victorian Public Works Department, as do others originating in the last century. Many of the nineteenth century drawings are in color. The bulk of the material, however, is far from being so uniform.
Arrangement and description work was carried out on this series in 1998. The large number of plans that were in item 121 were broken into 3 folders and a single number system imposed from 121-146. All items in this series have been entered into ANGAM II. Additionally, items 1-120 were refoldered for preservation reasons. Items should be ordered by their respective folder number, available from ANGAM or the revised packing list.
History Prior/Subsequent to Transfer:
Prior to transfer: Earlier drawings in this series originated with the Defence Department of the Colony of Victoria. In 1901, when the defence function was taken over by the Commonwealth, they passed to the Commonwealth Department of Defence.
More recently, they have all been held at Albert Park in the office of the Chief Engineer. From there, they were transferred to Commonwealth Archives, this as a result of culling carried out before the removal to Victoria Barracks.
Administrative information
The following has been keyed from the paper documentation:
Form number: CA 17
Creating department: Army, Southern Command, Chief Engineer's Office Transferring department: Army, Southern Command, Chief Engineer's Office Date of transfer: 08/12/1959
Archives file number: RWM30/3/11