The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Society of Western Australia (Inc) was formed in 1988 with the aim of ‘providing a self-perpetuating organisation for the development and maintenance of artillery heritage within Western Australia.’

The principal effort of the Society has been the opening of the wartime tunnels associated with the Leighton 6 inch Gun Battery. The Governor of Western Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, MC, officially opened the facility in November 1997.

Known as the Leighton Battery Heritage Site, the facilities are open for conducted tours by arrangement.

The wartime activities at this site were related to the Coast Artillery Branch, therefore the displays of photographs and memorabilia are oriented mainly to that Branch. Western Australia’s Artillery history dates back to 1872.

The Society sponsors the following programs:

• Research library
• Conservation
• Photographic Archives
• Historical Collection of Artillery weapons and memorabilia

Their holdings include:

• Lt General Sir Talbot Hobbs: Hobbs Collection, 1885-1930
• Maj General AJ Bessell-Browne: Bessell-Browne Collection, 1900-1920
• 2/7th FD Artillery Regiment: Regimental records, 1939-1945
• 2/3rd FD Artillery Regiment: Regimental records, 1939-1945
• Fremantle Fortress: Coast Artillery records, 1883-1970
• Oral History Unit: Oral histories, 1935-present

Contact the society by email to obtain information about researching records.