4th (Bunbury) VDC Battalion

[[File:]]

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.

When the VDC was reformed along military lines in July 1941, the 4th (Bunbury) VDC Battalion was formed with Headquarters at Pinjarra, and companies at Collie, Bunbury, Waroona and Pinjarra. With the 5th (Busselton) VDC Battalion, 6th (Albany) VDC Battalion, and the 10th (Narrogin) VDC Battalion it comprised the 2nd South West Group VDC. Full time VDC parties manned coast watch posts. 'A' Company provided guards on a rostered basis for the power stations at Collie. The main role of the VDC Battalion on cll out was to form platoons for active and passive defence of their home areas by manning roadblocks, demolishing bridges and other key infrastructure and implementing guerilla warfare should their area be over run. They also were to gather information and to use their local knowledge to assist other units in their area. In April the forestry areas of the 4th Battalion were split of to form the 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion. In December 1943 with little likelihood of invasion the role of the VDC units had diminished , and 'E' Company at Collie was absorbed into 'A' Company. In December 1944 the rest of the battalion, except 'A' Company was placed in reserve. They continued to parade and provide defence fort the power stations at Collie. They went into reserve in March 1945, and the VDC Units continued to exist in name 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.

Battalion Personnel

• Frederick Leopold Ranson 11 Apr - 18 Sep 1942
• Edgar Butcher 29 Apr 1942 - 15 Oct 1945
• Spencer Gwynne DCM MID 24 Jan 1942 - 25 Apr 1943
• John Mangan 6 Mar - 7 Apr 1944

Notes

Content has come from The Unit Guide - Volume 6 - The Australian Army 1939-1945, pages 6.084 & 6.085 Graham R McKenzie-Smith - Big Sky Publishing - 2018