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Fortress Observation Post
(Gonzales Hill Denison Road)
Set in Walbran Park in Oak Bay, the Observation Post commands one of the
most dramatic views in the city, overlooking the Straits and the Gulf Island.
The Observation Post was built in 1942 using civilian contractors. It was
one of four in the fortress system network, the others being at Mt. Tolmie,
Mary Hill (William Head), and Church Hill. (Smythe Head). Only Gonzales
and Mt Tolmie remain. The Post features a Barr-Stroud Range Finder, which
was
trained on the Juan de Fuca Strait
and on houses below the building. Significant information was transmitted
to Fort Rodd Hill Plotting room. The Gonzales Post was the link to the
easternmost anchor gun battery, and protected the naval Base and the shipping
lines. The post was operational until the early fifties.
What remains of the observation Post is the concrete bunker - originally
disguised as a residence, with peaked roof and awning-covered windows
- which housed the range finder. This was the foundation of the "house " constructed
as a blind during WWII.
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