No. 6 Medical Rehabilitation Unit RAAF

Entrance to 6 Medical Reahabilitation Unit RAAF in May 1944

Brief History

No 6 Convalescen t Depot was formed on 16 Jul 1943 at Werribee, Victoria, and left for North-Eastern Area on I Nov 1943, arriving at Mount Spec near Townsville on 13 November. Fifty-eight convalescents were housed at the Unit by the end of February 1944, and occupational therapy included making cane furniture, rug making and the raising or poultry and pigs. Once a fortnight, WAAAF personnel from Townsville were invited to spend an afternoon at the Unit, and attend a dance in the evening. Fishing trips to the coast were organised three times a week-enjoyed by the patients, and the many fish caught were a welcome addition to the diet of Unit persom1el.

It was found that those convalescing at the depot benefited from the climate in which the Unit was located. By the end of March 1944, a vegetable garden had been laid out, and fencing of the camp was almost complete. During April 1944 arrangements were made to use a log cabin, given to the Unit by United States forces, as accommodation for WAAAF personnel to use on weekends, so they would not have to leave evening functions early in order to get back to Townsville.

In July 1944, the name of the Unit was changed to No. 6 Medical Rehabilitation Unit. Weekly picnics and sports days became increasingly popular during August 1944, bringing out the competitive spirit in convalescents. The daily program was altered during September 1944 to include more general and remedial PT and recreational games, and a large area or ground was cleared for a sports ground. Just before Christmas completed by damming a creek.

Convalescent numbers in July 1945 were the smallest on record, with the Red Cross still supplying foodstuffs to supplement the diet of personnel. On 20 Aug 1945, the Unit ceased to function, and the disbandment process began. Between 800 and 1,000 patients passed through the depot, with the majority returning to their units as fit class I. Those who required further treatment were transferred to hospitals, then back to the Unit for a second spell. The unit later reverted to its original name - No. 6 Convalescent Depot RAAF.

Convalescents

• James Brian McGurk 8 Dec 1944 - 13 Apr 1945

Notes

Content has come from Units of the Royal Australian Air Force - A Concise History - Volume 9 Ancillary Units - Australian Government Publishing Service - 1995 pages 97 & 98