8th (Kalgoorlie) VDC Battalion

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Brief History

Volunteer defence Corps (VDC) Battalions were initially raised outside the military framework by the RSL who were keen to be involved in any defence of Australia. Formed in July 1940 they had no formal role, until they were taken over by the Army and incorporated in the CMF on 15 May 1941. Other civilian units included the Vulnerable Points Guard and the Post Office Volunteer Corps. Once taken over they were tasked with being prepared to strengthen/reinforce Garrison Battalions who were formed to contribute to the defence of Australia; provide staff for internment camps; and guard vulnerable points. Original recruitment was men with previous Imperial Military Service, those under 60 being available for full time duties. In February 1940 4,464 men were enlisted in Western Australian VDC units. Australia wide there were 110 VDC Battalions in October 1942. Australia wide there were 49 fatalities amongst VDC personnel, with one in Western Australia.

In July 1941 VDC Battalions were formalised under military control, and 8th VDC Battalion was formed at Kalgoorlie, with Battalion HQ and 'A' Company in Kalgoorlie; 'B' Company at Noresman; 'C' Company at Coolgardie; 'D' Company at Boulder; 'E' Company at Menzies; and 'F' Company ay Leonora. The water pipeline for Perth was guarded by VDC Detachments which in tunr became Western Spedial Duties Company and the 15th (Merredin) VDC Battalion.

With Japan's entry into the war in December 1941 full time coast watch detachmets were set up at Esperance and Israelite Bay. The rest were part tme, available for call up when needed to form plattons that would be active in their regions, manning road blocks, demolishing bridges, etc, as well as passing on intellignece to regular force units. In March 1942 th HQ 3rd Goldfields Group VDC (WA) was formed to oversite the Kalgoorlie based 8th, Merredin based 15th, and the Noresman based 16th VDC Battalions. The 16th VDC Battalion was later reduced to become 'B' Company of the 8th (Kalgoorlie) VDC Battalion.

Withthe return of troops from the Middle East, regular forces in WA increased substanially, and VDC attendances fell as thier roles became less important until the rural VDC units were to be discontinued from mid 1944. However, VDC Units were not formally disbanded until mid 1946

Members of the VDC were awarded the Australian Service Medal 1939-45 for three years part time service. Some who served full time qualified for the War Medal 1939-45.

Unit Personnel

• Francis (George) Hicks MM 13 Jan 1942 - 10 Jan 1943

Notes

Content has come from The Unit Guide - Volume 6 - The Australian Army 1939-1945 , pages 6.082 - 6.084 - Graham R McKenzie-Smith - Big Sky Publishing - 2018