Special Mobile Force

[[File:]]

Brief History

Formed at Bushmead in January 1942, it was built around the 44th Infantry Battalion, A Squadron 25th Machine Gun Regiment, a Field Batteyr and detachment s from signals, transport, etc. Its initial role was the defence of the Pearce airbase, but ready to respond quickly if required in any parachute threat, or to the beaches in Harvey if a threat emerged to the Collie power station.

With the arrival of the 4th Australian Infantry Division from Victoria in April 1942, they moved to Mingenew in early April, and then to Moora to be able to oppose any landing between Dongera and the Moore river. In May they moved to Dandaragan, but their role and area of operation continued to decrease as more troops arrived in WA, and in in July the Special Mobile Force returned to Point Walter wher eit was disbaned in late July, with the attched sub units returning to their parent units and the 44th Australian Infantry Battalion joined the 5th Australian Infantry Brigade.

Unit Personnel

• Stanley Garrett 16 Jan - 17 Aug 1942
• Ronald Arthur Grafham 17 Jan - 31 Jul 1942

Notes

Content has come from The Unit Guide - Volume 2 - The Australian Army 1939-1945, page 2.164 - Graham R McKenzie-Smith - Big Sky Publishing - 2018