Bibliography for NZ's Coastal Defences
This list is by no mean exhaustive, but probably a reasonable starting point for someone interested in NZ's Coastal Defences. Much of this site takes its information from the following books and magazines.
BOOKS
Russophobia in New Zealand: 1838-1908
By: Glynn Barratt
As the title suggests this book is about the many Russian Scares that occured though New Zealand's history. It is excellent as it gives a good account of the reasons behind the construction of the early forts. It also covers all of NZ.
Defending New Zealand.....Ramparts on the Sea 1840 - 1950s
By: Peter Cooke
Probably the most complete book on New Zealand's home defensive effort. If you're interested in NZ Coastal Defences, this is the book to get a hold of. It covers everything built in Coastal Defence, as well as the Home Guard, local Naval Defence, Pill Boxes and gun batteries built during the '42 invasion panic.
In Defence of Our Land: A tour of New Zealand's Historic Harbour Forts
By: Russell Glackin
This book provides a well illustrated overview of the forts built in New Zealand. There are some small inaccuracies in the text, but it is a well presented and visually appealing book.
Official War History of the Public Works Dept.
By: F.G. Grattan
This book documents all undertakings by the PWD during the war. This includes construction of and additions to coastal forts, heavy anti-aircraft defences, as well as troop camps and many other features.
Glimpses of New Zealand in the nineteenth century
By: Graham Hucker
This book contains a chapter concerning the Russian scares and its impact on NZ.
The Oxford Companion to NZ Military History
Edited By: Ian McGibbon
A wonderful reference book, and a must have for anyone interested in almost any aspect of NZ Military History.
The Path to Gallipoli. Defending New Zealand 1840-1915
By: Ian McGibbon
Contains a number of chapters and references concerning coastal fortifications in New Zealand.
Zeal and Crusade: The Modern Movement in Wellington
(edited by) John Wilson
This book contains an excellent section about the construction and background to the Wright Hill Fortress.
MAGAZINE ARTICLES
Auckland Metro
Vol 22; April 1983
Stony Batter revisited
Article about Stony Batter, one of Aucklands 9.2-inch counter bombardment batteries.
Auckland Metro
Vol 24; June 1983
The Russians are Coming
Outlines anti-russian feeling in NZ and the Russian Scares. Some excellant pictures of Auckland defences.
Archaeology in New Zealand
Vol 33; June 1990
Wellington's Defences: A Reconnaissance Survey Of The Fortifications of 1884 - 1945
Pretty much explained by the title. Its a general survey of Fortifications built in Wellington.
Archaeology in New Zealand
Vol 35; June 1992
Pinpointing a buried fort on Point Resolution, Auckland
Pretty much as the title says.
Archaeology in New Zealand
Vol 37; June 1994
Observation Posts and Magazine areas: further notes on Wellington military sites
Its a follow up on the previous article (June 1990), corrects a few mistakes of the earlier article.
Listener
15th Jan 1994
Tunnel visions
Looks at the claims of hidden ammo & tunnels in North Head
New Zealand Historic Places
No.??; March 1991
The Fortress Island of Lyttelton Harbour
An article about Fort Jervois in Lyttelton
New Zealand Historic Places
No.37; June 1992
To Defend the Capital City
Article about Wellingtons Fortifications.
New Zealand Historic Places
No.??; Nov 1997
Wellington's New Jewel
About Somes Island
New Zealand Heritage
Vol 4; No.51
The Russians are Coming
Article about the Russian scare, and its impact on New Zealand
The Onslow Historian
Vol 14; No.3 1984
N/A
Article about Fort Kelburne. Takes up the whole book.
Pacific Way
Vol 71; April 1994
Auckland's Silent Sentinel
Describes the emplacements at North Head
Stockade
Vol 12; Oct 1979
Wrights Hill revisited
About Wrights Hill Fortress
Stockade
Vol 21; Dec 1988
History of our time commemorated: Fort Opau 1941 - 43
Gives the operational history of Fort Opau.
The New Zealand Railway Observer
234; Win 1998
Wellington's Defence Tramways
Looks at the role played by tramways in Fort Kelburne, Fort Ballance, Fort Gordon and the torpedo establishment at Mahanga Bay
The Volunteers
Vol 21; June 1995
The Russian Scare Harbour Forts of Auckland, New Zealand
Its as the name says. Details all the russian scare harbour forts of Auckland.
Wellington City Magazine
Nov 1986
Fortified Wellington: The guns that never spoke in anger
General article about Wellingtons Fortifications. Includes early pre-russian scare sites.