The range of trades within the Engineers of the Australian Army was extensive, reflecting the wide variety of practical work required to build, operate and maintain military installations. From the perspective of a coastal battery such as Bickley, some trades were more directly relevant than others.

 

Trades and skills

These included bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, electricians, engineer surveyors, gas fitters, mechanical services personnel, painters and decorators, plant operators, plumbers and well drillers. Together, these trades supported almost every aspect of construction and maintenance required to keep the battery operational.

 

Like many army units, the Engineers relied heavily on support roles that are often less visible but equally essential. Clerks, storemen and drivers played a critical role in maintaining continuity of work, ensuring materials were ordered and tracked, equipment was available when needed and personnel and supplies could be moved efficiently around the island.

 

Quarrymen were also part of the Royal Australian Engineers, particularly on Rottnest Island. They quarried local stone that was used in the construction of retaining walls around the battery sites and at the Kingstown Barracks, reducing the need to transport heavy materials from the mainland.

 

Roles and Responsibilities

During periods of conflict, the Engineers were responsible for a broad range of infrastructure works. These included constructing and maintaining roads, airfields, landing zones, water supplies and camps, as well as carrying out ongoing servicing and maintenance. Demolition work also formed part of their duties. At Rottnest, this included the removal of most of Phillip Rock, which obstructed the field of view of nearby gun positions and limited their effectiveness.

 

To support all this work, Engineers Stores held supplies such as timber, galvanised iron, barbed wire, pipes and other engineering materials as required. These stores ensured that construction and repair work could be carried out quickly, particularly in isolated locations where resupply was limited.