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{{Infobox Military Unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=Darwin Mobile Force
|unit_name=Darwin Mobile Force
|image=[[File:AWM P01449 Darwin Mobile Force.jpg|250px]]
| image= AWM P01449 Darwin Mobile Force.jpg
| image_size = 320
|caption= The Darwin Mobile Force marches in battle order near the Vestey meatworks in April 1939
|caption= The Darwin Mobile Force marches in battle order near the Vestey meatworks in April 1939
|country={{flag icon|Australia}} [[Australia]]
|country={{flag icon|Australia}} [[Australia]]
Line 7: Line 8:
|type=
|type=
|branch=[[Australian Army]]
|branch=[[Australian Army]]
|dates=1938–1940
|dates=1938–1940
|specialization=
|specialization=
|command_structure=HQ 7th Military District
|command_structure=HQ 7th Military District
Line 27: Line 28:
}}
}}


The '''Darwin Mobile Force''' was a mixed force of [[infantry]] and [[artillery]] raised by the [[Australian Army]] prior to the [[Second World War]].<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 3.</ref> It was the first regular infantry field force in the Australian military,<ref name=Phillips8>Phillips 2000, p. 8.</ref> although due to legislative restrictions that existed at the time it was established as part of the [[Royal Australian Artillery]]. Its formation marked a rare departure from the traditional Australian focus upon part-time citizen forces and is arguably a key moment in the development of a professional standing army. Attached to the 7th Military District, the Darwin Mobile Force were used to garrison the strategic port of [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] in the [[Northern Territory]], along with 9th Heavy Battery and the 7th Fortress Engineers, [[Royal Australian Engineers|RAE]],<ref name=Phillips12/> and to provide personnel with training and command experience. The force ceased to exist in August 1940 when its personnel were broken up and sent to other units.<ref name=Phillips16/>
The '''Darwin Mobile Force''' was a mixed force of [[infantry]] and [[artillery]] raised by the [[Australian Army]] prior to the [[Second World War]].<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 3.</ref> It was the first regular infantry field force in the Australian military,<ref name=Phillips8>Phillips 2000, p. 8.</ref> although due to legislative restrictions that existed at the time it was established as part of the [[Royal Australian Artillery]]. Its formation marked a rare departure from the traditional Australian focus upon part-time citizen forces and is arguably a key moment in the development of a professional [[standing army]]. Attached to the [[7th Military District (Australia)|7th Military District]], the Darwin Mobile Force were used to garrison the strategic port of [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] in the [[Northern Territory]], along with 9th Heavy Battery and the 7th Fortress Engineers, [[Royal Australian Engineers|RAE]],<ref name=Phillips12/> and to provide personnel with training and command experience. The force ceased to exist in August 1940 when its personnel were broken up and sent to other units.<ref name=Phillips16/>


==History==
==History==
The Darwin Mobile Force was formed in response to growing concerns about the potential for war, which had resulted in the Australian government seeking to increase the readiness of the military through the creation of a number of regular army mobile forces to defend strategic locations around the country. Due to the provisions of the ''Defence Act (1903)'' which prohibited the establishment of permanent infantry forces,<ref>Grey 2008, p. 141.</ref> however, it was decided to raise the force as a unit of the [[Royal Australian Artillery]], even though the majority of the force would be infantry.<ref name=Phillips7>Phillips 2000, p. 7.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ordersofbattle.com/UnitData.aspx?UniX=10467&Tab=Uhi|title=Darwin Mobile Force, Royal Australian Artillery|publisher=Orders of Battle.com|accessdate=28 March 2010}}</ref> Such was the uniqueness of the force at the time that its establishment received a considerable amount of media attention.<ref name=Phillips8/>
The Darwin Mobile Force was formed in response to growing concerns about the potential for war, which had resulted in the Australian government seeking to increase the readiness of the military through the creation of a number of regular army mobile forces to defend strategic locations around the country. Due to the provisions of the ''[[Defence Act of 1903 (Australia)|Defence Act (1903)]]'' which prohibited the establishment of permanent infantry forces,<ref>Grey 2008, p. 141.</ref> however, it was decided to raise the force as a unit of the [[Royal Australian Artillery]], even though the majority of the force would be infantry.<ref name=Phillips7>Phillips 2000, p. 7.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ordersofbattle.com/UnitData.aspx?UniX=10467&Tab=Uhi|title=Darwin Mobile Force, Royal Australian Artillery|publisher=Orders of Battle.com|access-date=28 March 2010}}</ref> Such was the uniqueness of the force at the time that its establishment received a considerable amount of media attention.<ref name=Phillips8/>


With a total establishment of 12 officers and 233 other ranks, the force consisted of a headquarters wing and reconnaisance group, an [[artillery]] [[troop]] of 18-pdr guns, a medium machine gun [[section]], a [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]] section and a rifle [[Company (military unit)|company]].<ref name=Dennis202>Dennis et al 1995, p. 202.</ref> The force's commanding officer was Major Alex MacDonald.<ref group=Note>Service details may be viewed here: {{cite web|url=http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/script/veteran.asp?ServiceID=A&VeteranID=845145|title=WW2 Nominal Roll: Alex MacDonald|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|accessdate=29 March 2010}}</ref><ref name=Phillips7/> Recruiting for the force was undertaken in all Australian states and resulted in over 3,000 applications, with preference being given to men who were currently serving in the [[Citizens Military Force|Militia]], although some members were also currently serving in the Permanent Military Force.<ref name=Phillips8/> Applicants were required to be between 18 and 30 years of age and were subject to high standards of medical and dental fitness,<ref name=Phillips8/> and successful recruits were signed on for an engagement of five years, of which two years and nine months was to be spent in Darwin.<ref>''The Argus'', 16 November 1938, p. 3.</ref>
With a total establishment of 12 [[Officer (armed forces)|officers]] and 233 [[Other ranks (UK)|other ranks]], the force consisted of a headquarters wing and reconnaissance group, an [[artillery]] [[troop]] of [[Ordnance QF 18 pounder|18-pounder guns]], a medium machine gun [[Section (military unit)|section]], a [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]] section and a rifle [[Company (military unit)|company]].<ref name=Dennis202>Dennis et al 1995, p. 202.</ref> The force's commanding officer was Major [[Alex Bath MacDonald|Alex MacDonald]].<ref group=Note>Service details may be viewed here: {{cite web|url=http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/Veteran.aspx?serviceId=A&veteranId=845145|title=WW2 Nominal Roll: Alex MacDonald|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|access-date=29 March 2010}}</ref><ref name=Phillips7/> Recruiting for the force was undertaken in all Australian states and resulted in over 3,000 applications, with preference being given to men who were currently serving in the [[Citizens Military Force|Militia]], although some members were also currently serving in the Permanent Military Force.<ref name=Phillips8/> Applicants were required to be between 18 and 30 years of age and were subject to high standards of medical and dental fitness,<ref name=Phillips8/> and successful recruits were signed on for an engagement of five years, of which two years and nine months was to be spent in Darwin.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12064141?searchTerm=darwin+mobile+force|title=Darwin Mobile Force|date=16 November 1938|work=The Argus|page=3|access-date=29 March 2010}}</ref>


While ostensibly the force was to bolster the defences of the strategic port of Darwin—which were at the time defended by the units of the 7th Military District—conceputally its role was much broader than this. Due to the legislative restrictions upon permanent military forces the opportunities for officers in the Permanent Military Force to gain command experience was low, thus upon establishment a large part of the Darwin Mobile Force's role was to provide command and training opportunities, not only to graduates from the [[Royal Military College, Duntroon]], but also to members of the Australian Instructional Corps.<ref name=Phillips8/>
While ostensibly the force was to bolster the defences of the strategic port of Darwin—which were at the time defended by the units of the 7th Military District—conceptually its role was much broader than this. Due to the legislative restrictions upon permanent military forces the opportunities for officers in the Permanent Military Force to gain command experience was low, thus upon establishment a large part of the Darwin Mobile Force's role was to provide command and training opportunities, not only to graduates from the [[Royal Military College, Duntroon]], but also to members of the [[Australian Instructional Corps]].<ref name=Phillips8/>


The force came into being on 14 November 1938, concentrating at [[Liverpool, New South Wales]] where equipment was issued and training undertaken.<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 9.</ref> Training was completed by February 1939 and the following month the force paraded through the City of Sydney, after which the advance party embarked upon the ''Marella''. A week later the rest of the force sailed upon the ''Montoro'', stopping at [[Brisbane, Queensland|Brisbane]] before continuing on to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]].<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 10.</ref>
The force came into being on 14 November 1938, concentrating at [[Liverpool, New South Wales]] where equipment was issued and training undertaken.<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 9.</ref> Training was completed by February 1939 and the following month the force paraded through the City of Sydney, after which the advance party embarked upon the ''Marella''. A week later the rest of the force sailed upon the ''Montoro'', stopping at [[Brisbane, Queensland|Brisbane]] before continuing on to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]].<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 10.</ref>


Following their arrival on 29 March 1939, the troops paraded through Darwin before taking up residence in the abandoned Vestey’s meatworks. Training was continued, including a number of field exercises, but these were punctuated by other tasks including unloading of ships, construction of roads and fixed defences and guard duties.<ref name=Phillips12>Phillips 2000, p. 12.</ref> Over time the force’s vehicles and other equipment arrived.<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 14.</ref>
Following their arrival on 29 March 1939, the troops paraded through Darwin before taking up residence in the abandoned [[Vestey's Meatworks (Darwin)|Vestey’s meatworks]]. Training was continued, including a number of field exercises, but these were punctuated by other tasks including unloading of ships, construction of roads and fixed defences and guard duties.<ref name=Phillips12>Phillips 2000, p. 12.</ref> Over time the force’s vehicles and other equipment arrived.<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 14.</ref>


After the outbreak of the [[Second World War]], the government announced the establishment of an all volunteer force for overseas service—the [[Second Australian Imperial Force]]—and early in 1940 the Darwin Mobile Force began to be broken up as men volunteered to join the AIF.<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 15.</ref> They moved from Vesteys meatworks to [[Larrakeyah Barracks]] and on 20 August 1940 the unit was renamed the Darwin Infantry Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Philip Cardale.<ref>Phillips 2000, pp. 15–16.</ref> This unit was later renamed the [[19th Battalion (Australia)|19th Battalion]], while the artillery group became the 18th Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery.<ref name=Phillips16>Phillips 2000, p. 16.</ref>
After the outbreak of the [[Second World War]], the government announced the establishment of an all volunteer force for overseas service—the [[Second Australian Imperial Force]]—and early in 1940 the Darwin Mobile Force began to be broken up as men volunteered to join the AIF.<ref>Phillips 2000, p. 15.</ref> They moved from Vesteys meatworks to [[Larrakeyah Barracks]] and on 20 August 1940 the Darwin Mobile Force was disbanded and the infantry used to form the Darwin Infantry Battalion,<ref name=Dennis203>Dennis et al 1995, p. 203.</ref> under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Philip Cardale.<ref>Phillips 2000, pp. 15–16.</ref> This unit was later renamed the [[19th Battalion (Australia)|19th Battalion]] on 1 November 1941,<ref name=Dennis203/> while the artillery group became the 18th Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery.<ref name=Phillips16>Phillips 2000, p. 16.</ref>


Although the force did not receive any [[battle honour]]s and ultimately did not see any action during the war, arguably its contribution to Australia’s defence was in the personnel it provided to the Army. The force’s commanding officer, MacDonald, went on to command the [[2/16th Battalion (Australia)|2/16th Battalion]] in the [[Syrian campaign]],<ref name=Phillips16/> and then later the [[Jungle Warfare Centre]] at [[Canungra, Queensland]].<ref name=Dennis202/> Of the officers who served in the Darwin Mobile Force, two rose to [[general officer]] rank,<ref group=Note>[[Francis Hassett]] and R.L Hughes, Phillips 2000, p. 16.</ref> while four reached [[brigadier]]<ref group=Note>H.G Bates, N.L Currie, [[Maurice Austin]] and D.R. Jackson, Phillips 2000, p. 16.</ref> and two the rank of [[colonel]].<ref name=Phillips16/> Of the other ranks that served, over 100 were eventually commissioned as officers, while a similar number became [[warrant officer]]s or senior non commissioned officers in the AIF.<ref name=Dennis202/><ref name=Phillips16/>
Although the force did not receive any [[battle honour]]s and ultimately did not see any action during the war, arguably its contribution to Australia’s defence was in the personnel it provided to the Army. The force’s commanding officer, MacDonald, went on to command the [[2/16th Battalion (Australia)|2/16th Battalion]] in the [[Syrian campaign]],<ref name=Phillips16/> and then later the [[Land Warfare Centre (Australia)|Jungle Warfare Centre]] at [[Canungra, Queensland]].<ref name=Dennis202/> Of the officers who served in the Darwin Mobile Force, two rose to [[general officer]] rank,{{#tag:ref|[[Francis Hassett]] and [[Ronald Lawrence Hughes|R.L Hughes]].<ref name=Phillips16>Phillips 2000, p. 16.</ref>|group=Note}} while four reached [[brigadier]]{{#tag:ref|H.G Bates, N.L Currie, [[Maurice Austin]] and D.R. Jackson.<ref name=Phillips16/>|group=Note}} and two the rank of [[colonel]].<ref name=Phillips16/> Of the other ranks that served, over 100 were eventually commissioned as officers, while a similar number became [[warrant officer]]s or senior non commissioned officers in the AIF.<ref name=Phillips16/><ref name=Dennis202/>


==Notes==
==Notes==
===Footnotes===
;Footnotes
{{reflist|group=Note}}
{{reflist|group=Note}}


===Citations===
;Citations
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==References==
==References==
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last=Dennis|first=Peter|coauthor=Grey, Jeffrey; Morris, Ewan; Prior, Robin|title=The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History|year=1995|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|isbn=0195532279}}
* {{cite book|last=Dennis|first=Peter|author2=Grey, Jeffrey |author3=Morris, Ewan |author4= Prior, Robin |title=The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History|year=1995|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|isbn=0-19-553227-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Grey |first=Jeffrey|coauthors= |title=A Military History of Australia |edition=3rd |publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Melbourne|date=2008|series= |url= |isbn=9780521697910}}
* {{cite book|last=Grey |first=Jeffrey|title=A Military History of Australia |edition=3rd |publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Melbourne|year=2008|isbn=978-0-521-69791-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Phillips|first=Bill|title=A Tribute to the Darwin Mobile Force|year=2000|publisher=Phillips Publications|location=Coffs Harbour, NSW|isbn=095780346X}}
* {{cite book|last=Phillips|first=Bill|title=A Tribute to the Darwin Mobile Force|year=2000|publisher=Phillips Publications|location=Coffs Harbour, NSW|isbn=0-9578034-6-X}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}


[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1938]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1938]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1940]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1940]]
[[Category:Infantry units and formations of Australia]]

Latest revision as of 08:36, 23 July 2024

Darwin Mobile Force
The Darwin Mobile Force marches in battle order near the Vestey meatworks in April 1939
Active1938–1940
CountryAustralia Australia
BranchAustralian Army
Size245 men all ranks
Part ofHQ 7th Military District
EngagementsSecond World War

The Darwin Mobile Force was a mixed force of infantry and artillery raised by the Australian Army prior to the Second World War.[1] It was the first regular infantry field force in the Australian military,[2] although due to legislative restrictions that existed at the time it was established as part of the Royal Australian Artillery. Its formation marked a rare departure from the traditional Australian focus upon part-time citizen forces and is arguably a key moment in the development of a professional standing army. Attached to the 7th Military District, the Darwin Mobile Force were used to garrison the strategic port of Darwin in the Northern Territory, along with 9th Heavy Battery and the 7th Fortress Engineers, RAE,[3] and to provide personnel with training and command experience. The force ceased to exist in August 1940 when its personnel were broken up and sent to other units.[4]

History

[edit]

The Darwin Mobile Force was formed in response to growing concerns about the potential for war, which had resulted in the Australian government seeking to increase the readiness of the military through the creation of a number of regular army mobile forces to defend strategic locations around the country. Due to the provisions of the Defence Act (1903) which prohibited the establishment of permanent infantry forces,[5] however, it was decided to raise the force as a unit of the Royal Australian Artillery, even though the majority of the force would be infantry.[6][7] Such was the uniqueness of the force at the time that its establishment received a considerable amount of media attention.[2]

With a total establishment of 12 officers and 233 other ranks, the force consisted of a headquarters wing and reconnaissance group, an artillery troop of 18-pounder guns, a medium machine gun section, a mortar section and a rifle company.[8] The force's commanding officer was Major Alex MacDonald.[Note 1][6] Recruiting for the force was undertaken in all Australian states and resulted in over 3,000 applications, with preference being given to men who were currently serving in the Militia, although some members were also currently serving in the Permanent Military Force.[2] Applicants were required to be between 18 and 30 years of age and were subject to high standards of medical and dental fitness,[2] and successful recruits were signed on for an engagement of five years, of which two years and nine months was to be spent in Darwin.[9]

While ostensibly the force was to bolster the defences of the strategic port of Darwin—which were at the time defended by the units of the 7th Military District—conceptually its role was much broader than this. Due to the legislative restrictions upon permanent military forces the opportunities for officers in the Permanent Military Force to gain command experience was low, thus upon establishment a large part of the Darwin Mobile Force's role was to provide command and training opportunities, not only to graduates from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, but also to members of the Australian Instructional Corps.[2]

The force came into being on 14 November 1938, concentrating at Liverpool, New South Wales where equipment was issued and training undertaken.[10] Training was completed by February 1939 and the following month the force paraded through the City of Sydney, after which the advance party embarked upon the Marella. A week later the rest of the force sailed upon the Montoro, stopping at Brisbane before continuing on to Darwin.[11]

Following their arrival on 29 March 1939, the troops paraded through Darwin before taking up residence in the abandoned Vestey’s meatworks. Training was continued, including a number of field exercises, but these were punctuated by other tasks including unloading of ships, construction of roads and fixed defences and guard duties.[3] Over time the force’s vehicles and other equipment arrived.[12]

After the outbreak of the Second World War, the government announced the establishment of an all volunteer force for overseas service—the Second Australian Imperial Force—and early in 1940 the Darwin Mobile Force began to be broken up as men volunteered to join the AIF.[13] They moved from Vesteys meatworks to Larrakeyah Barracks and on 20 August 1940 the Darwin Mobile Force was disbanded and the infantry used to form the Darwin Infantry Battalion,[14] under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Philip Cardale.[15] This unit was later renamed the 19th Battalion on 1 November 1941,[14] while the artillery group became the 18th Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery.[4]

Although the force did not receive any battle honours and ultimately did not see any action during the war, arguably its contribution to Australia’s defence was in the personnel it provided to the Army. The force’s commanding officer, MacDonald, went on to command the 2/16th Battalion in the Syrian campaign,[4] and then later the Jungle Warfare Centre at Canungra, Queensland.[8] Of the officers who served in the Darwin Mobile Force, two rose to general officer rank,[Note 2] while four reached brigadier[Note 3] and two the rank of colonel.[4] Of the other ranks that served, over 100 were eventually commissioned as officers, while a similar number became warrant officers or senior non commissioned officers in the AIF.[4][8]

Notes

[edit]
Footnotes
  1. ^ Service details may be viewed here: "WW2 Nominal Roll: Alex MacDonald". Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  2. ^ Francis Hassett and R.L Hughes.[4]
  3. ^ H.G Bates, N.L Currie, Maurice Austin and D.R. Jackson.[4]
Citations
  1. ^ Phillips 2000, p. 3.
  2. ^ a b c d e Phillips 2000, p. 8.
  3. ^ a b Phillips 2000, p. 12.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Phillips 2000, p. 16.
  5. ^ Grey 2008, p. 141.
  6. ^ a b Phillips 2000, p. 7.
  7. ^ "Darwin Mobile Force, Royal Australian Artillery". Orders of Battle.com. Retrieved 28 March 2010.
  8. ^ a b c Dennis et al 1995, p. 202.
  9. ^ "Darwin Mobile Force". The Argus. 16 November 1938. p. 3. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  10. ^ Phillips 2000, p. 9.
  11. ^ Phillips 2000, p. 10.
  12. ^ Phillips 2000, p. 14.
  13. ^ Phillips 2000, p. 15.
  14. ^ a b Dennis et al 1995, p. 203.
  15. ^ Phillips 2000, pp. 15–16.

References

[edit]
  • Dennis, Peter; Grey, Jeffrey; Morris, Ewan; Prior, Robin (1995). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-553227-9.
  • Grey, Jeffrey (2008). A Military History of Australia (3rd ed.). Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-69791-0.
  • Phillips, Bill (2000). A Tribute to the Darwin Mobile Force. Coffs Harbour, NSW: Phillips Publications. ISBN 0-9578034-6-X.

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