Vacuum Oil Company Tunnel

** References pending!!

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A big shout-out to Simon for finding this tunnel. For some reason, I had it in my head that it was last accessible in 2019 but I've since realised it was probably 1999.

 

I promised Simon that I wouldn't reveal its location and that's a promise I intend to keep. The tunnel is situated near the foreshore, and I remember another similar tunnel not too far away, separate from the well-known Soap Factory tunnel. One day, when I have the time, I'll see whether I can find any evidence of it, assuming I can remember roughly where it was.

 

Public exposure of the tunnel

In June 2024, the location of this tunnel was publicly shared on social media by someone who had previously sworn to protect places like this by keeping their locations confidential.

 

Unfortunately, once locations like this become widely known, they tend to attract people who have little regard for their historical significance. Graffiti, vandalism, rubbish and damage often follow, increasing the likelihood that the structures will eventually be sealed and access permanently lost.

 

It's hardly surprising that many of Perth's tunnels and underground structures remain poorly documented, inaccessible or surrounded by stories that are difficult to verify.

 

Some might argue that publishing photographs of these places contributes to the same problem. However, I've always tried to document them without revealing their exact locations or providing obvious clues that would make them easy to find.

 

There are also people who seem more interested in gaining recognition for discovering these places than preserving their history. Unfortunately, disagreements over access and the disclosure of locations can become unnecessarily hostile, particularly when others refuse to share information.

 

History of the tunnel

The tunnel, which appears to have been approximately 80 metres long, was associated with the former Vacuum Oil Company's industrial premises. The company established its operations in 1914, having previously occupied premises in Pakenham Street, Fremantle.

 

Vacuum Oil was a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company of New York (SOCONY) and chose their location because of its access to Fremantle Harbour and the railway network. The premises initially operated as a distribution centre for imported petroleum products, including lubricating oils, refined oils, aviation gasoline and petroleum spirits.

 

By 1919, the site incorporated a large warehouse, laboratory and office building. The buildings were designed by architects Allen and Nicholas, with construction undertaken by R. Know. Joseph Francis Allen was a prominent Fremantle architect and councillor who also designed the East Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle Trades Hall and several other buildings.

 

A small jetty formerly serviced the industrial area, allowing goods to be transported by water before the development of railway facilities. The railway eventually incorporated several sidings serving industrial premises along the higher ground. Vacuum Oil received and dispatched goods using the siding, where railway wagons could be positioned alongside its warehouse for loading and unloading.

 

In 1926, bulk oil unloading facilities were established at Berth No. 1 on North Quay, Fremantle Harbour. Vacuum Oil constructed several storage tanks at the terminal, allowing petroleum products to be received in bulk rather than relying entirely on smaller containers.

 

Their main premises continued to be used for storage, distribution, limited oil mixing and laboratory analysis. In the mid-1950s, additional bulk lubricating oil tanks and kerosene storage facilities were established at North Quay.

 

Mobiloil subsequently took over their North Fremantle operation and vacated the premises in 1963, transferring its storage and packing activities to North Quay.

 

The former industrial property was purchased by Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia and New Zealand (ICI), which used the buildings for warehousing, offices and laboratory operations. The large warehouse at the rear of the property was demolished in 1990, while the office and laboratory buildings were converted into residential units around 2000.

 

Fatal gunpowder explosion

On Sunday 29 April 1945, 13-year-old Eric David Skelton, of Rhodes Place, Mosman Park, suffered severe burns following an explosion inside the Vacuum Oil Company's tunnel.

 

Eric and three other boys had been exploring a nearby Army dump, where they found a quantity of black powder. The boys had previously collected camouflage paint powder from the dump and used it to make paint. Believing the black substance was another type of paint powder, they placed it in a tin and took it with them.

 

The four boys subsequently made their way to the tunnel, where Eric entered first, carrying the tin in one hand and a piece of burning paper in the other to light his way.

 

According to evidence presented at the subsequent inquest, the tunnel was approximately five feet (1.5 metres) high, requiring Eric to bend down as he walked. It was believed that some of the burning paper may have fallen into the tin, igniting the powder.

 

Eric had travelled approximately 12 feet (3.7 metres) into the tunnel when the other boys heard a muffled explosion and saw smoke coming from the entrance.

 

Despite suffering extensive burns, Eric managed to leave the tunnel and walk to a nearby house. An ambulance was called, and he was transported to Fremantle Hospital.

 

The explosion caused severe burns to his face, head, arms and legs. Eric died at approximately 6 pm the following evening, Monday, 30 April 1945, which was his 14th birthday.

 

At the time of his death, Eric was a member of the 32nd St Alban's Own Boy Scout Troop, of which his father was scoutmaster. His mother was also in hospital, having given birth to a baby five days earlier.

 

The incident was initially reported in the West Australian on 30 April 1945, with further reports appearing in the Daily News and West Australian over the following days.

 

An inquest into Eric's death was held at Fremantle Courthouse on 26 June 1945, before Acting-Coroner J. E. Gustafson JP, assisted by Sergeant J. Ryan.

 

Two of the boys, Norman John Anthony and David Colin Edmonds, gave evidence about finding the powder at the Army dump and the circumstances leading to the explosion.

 

The inquest established that the black substance was gunpowder rather than camouflage paint powder. The Acting-Coroner returned a verdict of accidental death, finding that Eric had died from burns and shock caused by the explosion.