Volunteer Defence Corps (Australia)

The Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) was an Australian part-time military organisation formed during World War II. Established in July 1940, its primary role was to provide local defence in the event of an invasion of Australia. Initially composed of men ineligible for full-time military service due to age, occupation, or medical reasons, the VDC was envisioned as a force to guard key infrastructure, provide local knowledge to regular troops, and harass and delay any invading forces.

The VDC's formation was driven by the escalating threat posed by the war in the Pacific, particularly after the fall of Singapore in February 1942. This event heightened fears of a Japanese invasion, leading to a rapid expansion of the VDC's ranks. Recruitment efforts focused on utilising the skills and experience of older men, many of whom had served in previous conflicts.

Organisationally, the VDC was structured along military lines, with units established in local communities across the country. Members received basic military training, including weapons handling, fieldcraft, and guard duties. They were typically equipped with whatever firearms and equipment could be spared from the regular army.

In 1942, the VDC was renamed the Australian Military Forces (AMF) Reserve. This change reflected a shift in the organisation's role, from a purely defensive force to a reserve component of the regular army. The AMF Reserve continued to provide valuable support to the war effort, and many of its members later enlisted in full-time military service.

The VDC/AMF Reserve was disbanded after the end of World War II. While it never faced direct combat, it played a significant role in bolstering Australia's home defence capabilities during a critical period in its history. It also provided a vital outlet for community participation in the war effort and contributed to maintaining morale and a sense of security on the home front.