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Volunteer Defence CorpsPrint Page 
The memorial commemorates those who served in the Volunteer Defence Corps during World War Two.
The Volunteer Defence Corps (VDC) was an Australian part-time volunteer military force of World War Two modelled on the British Home Guard. The VDC was established in July 1940 by the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and was initially composed of ex-servicemen who had served in World War One.
The Commonwealth Government took over control of the VDC in May 1941, and gave the organisation the role of training for guerilla warfare, collecting local intelligence and providing static defence of each unit's home area. General Harry Chauvel who had retired in 1930, was recalled to duty in 1940 and appointed Inspector-General of the VDC. Chauvel held this position until his death in March 1945.
Following the outbreak of the Pacific War, the Government expanded the VDC in February 1942. Membership was open to men aged between 18 and 60, including those working in reserved occupations. As a result, the VDC reached a peak strength of almost 100,000 in units across Australia.
Location
| Address: | Coolgardie - Esperance Highway, Mallee Memorial Park, Grass Patch, 6446 |
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| State: | WA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -33.228112 Long: 121.716278 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
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| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 03-September-1939 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 15-August-1945 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Wednesday 28th June, 1995 |
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In recognition of all who served in the Volunteer Defence Corps
1939 - 1945
