1st (Perth) VDC Battalion

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.

This unit was formed from the north western suburbs with its headquarters located at Nedlands. On call out, their main role would be to form into platoons to provide active and passive defence of their area while manning road blocks, demolishing bridges and other areas if necessary and as a last resort to implement guerilla warfare if the area was overrun. When the troops returned from the Middle East, VDC units were provided with conventional training and in the new defence plan in August 1942 the 2nd VFC Battalion, on call out, was tasked to concentrate around Swanbourne and to defend it and the Swanbourne Battery of coastal artillery.

From November 1943 new VDC 'shadow units' were formed for coastal and anti-aircraft units. 'D' Company of 1 VDC Battalion made up part of the 22nd Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery (VDC); 'D' Company contributed towards the 29th Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery (VDC); 'C' Company the 660th Light Anti Aircraft Battery (VDC); and 'E' Company contributed troops for the 661st Light Anti Aircraft battery (VDC). 'B' Company was formed into the Swanbourne Battery (VDC). In December 1944 the 660th and 661st light AA Batteries were placed in reserve, as was the 22nd Heavy AA Battery. In February 1945 29th Heavy AA Battery was reduced to two troops, and then one in April, with the final troop placed in reserve during July 1945. meantime 1 (Perth) VDC had become Coastal Artillery Fremantle (VDC) in September 1944, moing to Fremantle and taking control of all coastal defence sub units. During February and April further reductions in VDC role occured and although the VDC units were not formally disbanded until mid 1946, they had little to do from early 1945.

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.

Battalion Personnel

• James (Roy) Braidwood MM MID 18 Mar 1942 - 1 May 1945
• Albert Walmsley 20 Mar - 30 Sep 1942
• Eric Deakin James 23 Mar 1942 - ???
• Harold George Dyson 1943 ?
• Cecil James Talbot Eivers 23 Mar 1942 - 7 Sep 1944
• Spencer Gwynne DCM MID 26 Apr - 12 Oct 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