The FIRST shot of WW1. by blinkings
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Description
This old WW1 pillbox lies in the dunes of Portsea Australia. From here, the first shot (Allied) of WW1 was fired. The date was 5 August 1914, and the war was just one day old. The target was the German steamer Pfalz which was attempting to leave the port. When she left Melbourne, news that Britain had declared war had not yet reached Australia. But that news had come through by the time Pfalz had reached the Heads. A shot fired from one of the massive guns ahead of the ship prompted wrestling over the engine-room telegraph control between the ship's Master and Melbourne Pilot Captain M. Robinson of Williamstown, followed by a quick reversal of course. The ship returned to anchor off Williamstown. More than five hours passed after the incident before the crew realised why the vessel had been fired upon and detained.
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Comments (17)
62guy
Wrong! The first shot of World War I was fired by Gavrilo Princip at Sarajevo when he murdered the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie.
blinkings
No, war was not actually declared for another full month following the Princip incident. So, as I stated, the first shot of WW1 was fired at the Port Phillip Heads in Victoria Australia.
62guy
No, the first shots of a war can occur before war is declared. (The Japanese were good at that...)
poet001
Wow... great shot here Andrew and a good bit of history to go along with it. That bunker looks like something you could live in. Excellent shot and thanks for posting along with all the other great shots of yours I've seen so far! Enjoy the rest of your time off and a Happy New Year to you! —Rich
poet001
Right-on Andrew!
blinkings
Cheers. You too.
Faemike55
Very cool shot (pun intended) of this bunker and the ship Happy New year to you and your family
blinkings
Thanks mate. Happy New Year.
durleybeachbum
Fascinating ! What a horrible shock for all on board.
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
whaleman
Interesting distinction, now I am wondering if anyone knows when the last shot was fired? And the first one of WWII?
alanwilliams
great information Andrew. It could pass for a designer home
jayfar
I think you are 'bang' on here Andrew!! Nice shot and history. Happy New Year to you my friend.
stnaper
Well, all I can write here is all of that was before my time, but I'd like to live there the cement should be dry by now. Great photo Andrew. Stan
blondeblurr
... and you are right Andrew, Google told us this also - as long as there will be no more wars ! I hate warmongers (mainly politicians). Never-the-less, an architectural and impressive looking 'pillbox' ... The only shots I like to hear tonight, will be the ones of fireworks HAPPY NEW YEAR to you! BB
Richardphotos
outstanding history and capture. I have always enjoyed going to the few forts that I have seen around the US and the Philippines. I tried to grasp the severity of the situation for those that served there. happy new year mate
MrsRatbag
It looks like some "modern" architectural home from the 1970s; interesting history lesson, stuff I never knew. Great work!
weesel
My first impression was "Frank Lloyd-Wright?" then I actually read the title (doh!). Nice story. I wonder if Pfalz is the steamer that they captured the merchant marine code books from.
prutzworks
cool shot and interesting info
sharky_
Interesting info of History. Nice capture and a Happy New Year! Aloha
debbielove
The assassination was not THE first shot of WW1, it set in motion a chain of events that CAUSED the first shot of WW1.. But, great shot and excellent info Andrew! Thanks for this.. Rob
danapommet
That is one Hell of a long cannon and a great shot of the watch tower/pillbox. We have some WW II watch towers still left along the coast!