World War 2, Australia Western Australia Gloucester Park, Volunteer Defence Corps, 1944
1944View of mounted Volunteer Defence Corps troops at Gloucester Park
The Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) was an Australian part-time volunteer military force of World War II modelled on the British Home Guard. The VDC was established in July 1940 by the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL). The government took over control of the VDC in May 1941, and gave the organisation the role of training for guerrilla warfare, collecting local intelligence and providing static defence of each unit's home area. In Western Australia the VDC was commanded by Brigadier General AJ Bessell-Browne
Following the outbreak of the Pacific War, the Government expanded the VDC in February 1942. Membership was open to men aged between 18 and 60, including those working in reserved occupations. As a result, there were, by 1944, nearly 100,000 men in the VDC, consisting of about 1,500 full-time personnel, over 30,000 part-time active members and over 43,000 part-time reserve members.
As the perceived threat to Australia declined the VDC's role changed from static defence to operating anti-aircraft artillery, coastal artillery and searchlights. The VDC was officially disbanded on 24 August 1945.
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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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