7th (Geraldton) 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.

The 7th (Geraldton) VDC Battalion was formed with its HQ unit at Irwin, A Company at Geraldton, B Company at Mullewa, C Company at Three Springs, and D Company at Mingenew. VDC units at Moora. Pithara and Dalwallinu were grouped into the Moora Special Duties Company and there were scattered detachments at Wiluna, Meekatharra, Cue, Yalgoo and Big Ben which collectively were known as Northern Special Duties Company. These Special Duties Companies were renamed 13th Special Duties Company (Moora) and 14th Special Duties Company (Northern).

They established coast watch points at Green Head, Jurien Bay and Wedge Island. 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. They were to gather and pass on intelligence and provide guides for field force units entering their area. In March the Special Duties Company at Moora became 13th (Moora) VDC Battalion and the 14th Special Duties Company was absorbed into the 7th (Geraldton) VDC Battalion.

With the return of troops from the Middle East large numbers of them were sent to the region between Perth and Geraldton. In August 1942 the 7th (Geraldton) VDC Battalion was split to form the 16th (Murchison) VDC Battalion, and its headquarters moved to Mingenew. While this concentration of troops occurred, the role of the VDC units was reduced, but most AIF Units left Western Australia once fear of an invasion had passed, leaving the VDC Units to again be more active. The VDC battalion had formed into three companies, with one to be on call out, one to man coast watch posts and guarding key installations, and one to act as a reserve force. In September 1942 VDC personnel began training on a pair of 4 inch guns installed at Geraldton, forming the Geraldton VDC Battery. However, with no imminent threat, and waning interest in training the 13th and 16th VDC Battalions were placed in reserve in July 1944 and in November the 7th (Geraldton) VDC Battalion was also placed in reserve. Some VDC units continued to parade without military assistance, and they 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.

Battalion Personnel

• Silas Eric Rundle 17 Apr 1942 -  ??

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