The British Navy and Cape Raoul

[BenWalter]

Hi all,
I'm presently researching the old story about the British Navy's use of Cape Raoul for target practice, as it doesn't seem to have been documented. So far, I've worked out that it certainly happened, but much earlier than World War 1, which is the time usually quoted.

I noticed a beaut photo of a shell casing on Salters Point, on a different thread...I wondered if anyone else here has come across evidence of this sort of activity on the Tasman Peninsula? If so, would love to know what you found and where you found it.
cheers
Ben

[corvus]

Would that be The Royal Navy ??

[BenWalter]

Yes.

[oldmantas]

I remember, an old bushwalker (Jack Thwaites??) on a trip to Cape Pillar telling me that the Royal Navy used Cape Raoul, The Blade (Cape Pillar) and a similar and now non existent structure on Tasman Island as target practice in the 1880's or before. I also remember reading, while doing some research at High School for a project (1975ish), about this and that it has stopped by WW1 due to an outcry by fishermen, locals and early conservationists. I also remember my grandfather and others (from a marine background) telling me the practice of firing on coastal objects (pillars, small islands etc) was quite wide spread pre WW1.

I just googled the topic and there is a lot there.

I guess this is just one example of changing thoughts about things scenic!

[BenWalter]

Hey oldmantas,
That's really interesting - do you have any memory of where you read up on it in the 1970s? Almost everything on the internet is fairly recent hearsay (except for one aside in an Otago newspaper circa 1894), and I'm spending a lot of time in the archives...
Much appreciate your help.

[bushrunner]

This seems like an interesting project. Are you conducting this research as an amateur project or is it academic?
Good luck.

[BenWalter]

Looking to use it as the basis of a feature article, but my historical credentials are definitely amateur.

[weetbix456]

Anyone got anymore on this??

[Mark F]

I have known about this for many years. It was the Royal Navy on its way into Hobart I believe. I think there was some information on a tourism interpretation sign - possibly at Remarkable Cave - may not be there now.

[Joel]

Here's a link to Ben's article:

https://keeptassiewild.com/blogs/southw ... cape-raoul