Slit trenches
RSL (Port Pirie Sub Branch) Inc.Japan's entry into the Second World War roused a sudden desire for certitude of safety among the civilians of Port Pirie. It was considered a prime target for air raiders given its importance to the war as a key port and railway hub, lead smelter, and armaments manufacturing site.
Seven weeks before the bombing of Darwin, a survey was carried out to determine excavation sites for the establishment of "slit trenches" around Port Pirie for the protection of school children.
Trenches were dug in the north eastern corner of Soldiers’ Memorial Park for St Mark’s School, Pirie Primary School, and the Children’s Playground (Pirie West Primary School Oval); Solomontown School and Prince’s Park; the rear of St. Anthony’s School in Solomontown; south of Pirie High School and west of the Technical School near the Drill Hall Oval on Mary Elie Street.
The trenches were zig-zagged (each section 15 yards long) in nature so that the occupants would have protection from dive-bombing from any direction and included entry and exit ramps.
The trenches were ideally dug 2 feet wide and 4 feet 6 inches deep but due to the low water table, this was not always possible. Low trenches were given banks on the surface for added protection. 600 people volunteered at different stages; one survey counted voluntary labour of 300 men digging in the trenches and about 100 more helpers.
School staff and officials, school committees, mothers' clubs and similar organisations attended with enthusiastic assistance, and arranged an afternoon tea for the working parties.
On all ‘fronts’ a flagon or two of beer arrived at intervals, and men halted just long enough to swallow a glass of the amber liquid.
Almost 3 miles of trenches were excavated for the protection of 2,300 children. It was described as the greatest piece of voluntary work ever accomplished in Port Pirie. Several people also dug trenches and shelters at home at their own expense.
Civil Defence Authorities conducted air raid signals tests where the Port Pirie Smelter ‘whistle’, a siren on Esmond Road and a siren at Forgans' Foundry alerted citizens of an “impending air raid”. Opportunity was taken by headmasters to rehearse the scholars in approaching and entering the slit trenches.
