6th (Albany) VDC Battalion

Brief History

When VDC Battalions were re-organised and brought under Army control in April 1941, the 6th VDC Battalion was organised with its headquarters at Katanning and companies at Albany, Mt Barker, Denmark, Gnowangerup, and Kojonup. There were only a few in the Albany Company as many of the likely enlistees had already done so , joining C Company 19th Garrison battalion when it was raised in 1940. Under the control of 5th Southern Group VDC (Western Australia), it was combined with the 10th (Narrogin) VDC Battalion and isolated sub units in Lake Grace, Karlgarin and Ravensthorpe collectively known as 12th Special Duties Company (Southern).

The role of the 6th VDC Battalion was complementary to the role of the 19th Garrison Battalion (mobilised in December 1941) which manned the 6" Guns of Princess Battery. The VDC Companies full time personnel were tasked with manning coast watch posts at Denmark, Albany, Bremer Bay and Hopetown as well as guarding the Albany airfield. The part tiem members were to be available for callout if invaded, to form platoons that would maintain road blocks, demolish bridges and other infrastructure as required, and if over run to indulge in guerilla tactics.

With no plausible threat to the Albany region, the Albany Company began training at the Princess battery, and in March formed the Princess Battery Platoon. Renamed Princess Battery (VDC) in September, they could man the guns with a small regular army cadre. With declining interest and attendances, the 6th (Albany) VDC Battalion was placed in reserve in December 1944. Some VDC units continued to parade as the VDC Battalions 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.

VDC Battalion Personnel

• Cecil Francis William Bailey 20 Jun 1942 - ??
• John Reginald Gillespie 22 Jul 1941 - 10 Sep 1944