5th (Busselton) 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.

Formed with its HQ at Busselton and Companies at Margaret River, Donnybrook, Bridgetown and Manjimup. Full time VDC parties manned coastwatch posts at Windy Harbour, Cape Leeuwin, Cape Naturaliste. The main role of the VDC battalions on call-out was to form into platoons for active and passive defence of their home are by manning road blocks, demolishing bridges and other infrastructure if required and to conduct guerilla warfare if their area was overrun. They were also to gather and pass on intelligence and to provide guides for field force units acting in their area. In March 1942 the coastwatch parties of the VDC were absorbed into 29 Garrison Battalion to form part of their 'D' Company. At the same time the 4th (Bunbury) VDC Battalion was grouped with the 5th (Busselton) VDC Battalion, the 6th (Albany) VDC Battalion and the 10th (Narrogin) VDC Battalion to form the 2nd Southern Group VDC (WA).

Given that the Bunbury and Busselton units were over strength, the extra men allowed the creation of the 12th (Jarrah) VDC Battalion based at Pinjarra and the 14th (Karri) VDC Battalion based at Manjimup. In July 1943 'D' Company 5th (Busselton) VDC Battalion based at Boyup Brook transferred to the 14th (Kari) VDC Battalion as their 'C' Company, while 'C' Company of the 14th Battalion at Nannup / Kirkup transferred to the 5th Battalion as their 'D' Company. As there was by this time little likelihood that the units would be required, several were placed in Reserve and the 5th (Busselton) VDC Battalion was kept on a reduced scale before going into reserve in March 1945. VDC \battalions wer 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.

VDC Battalion Personnel

• Edward 'Gordon' Vidgen Dawson 23 Dec 1943 - ??
• Arthur George Selwin Hutchings 26 Apr 1942 - ??