The Army in Western Australia: 125 Years of Service
For over 125 years, the Army in Western Australia (WA) has played an important role in Australia’s national defence.
From colonial volunteer units guarding the State’s strategic ports to today’s 13th Brigade and Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, land forces in WA have made an enduring contribution to Australia’s military history.
While WA is often recognised for the naval capabilities it hosts, the Army’ proud history in the State is less well known and deserves greater recognition.
Even before Federation, volunteer infantry, artillery and mounted infantry units developed across WA. They became the foundation of later militia, light horse and Australian Imperial Force (AIF) units. Coastal fortifications at Albany and later Fremantle reflected the State’s importance as Australia’s western gateway.
At the turn of the 20th century WA contingents, including Western Australian Mounted Infantry, deployed overseas in the Second Boer War.
Western Australia’s strategic importance came sharply into focus with the outbreak of the First World War. In 1914, the first wave of Australian and New Zealand troops departed from Fremantle and Albany for the Middle East and eventually Gallipoli. For many, the rolling green hills of WA’s south coast were their last glimpse of Australia.
Many began that journey at Blackboy Hill Camp, one of Australia’s principal mobilisation centres. It became the birthplace of much of WA’s 1st AIF contribution, including the 11th, 16th and 28th Battalions. The 44th Battalion and the famous 10th Light Horse Regiment were also raised and trained in WA before deployment.
During the Second World War, Western Australians enlisted in the Army at a greater per capita rate than anywhere else in the country. Once again, the 2nd AIF deployed to the Middle East from WA ports. The 13th Brigade defended the WA coastline against possible Japanese attack before serving in the Northern Territory and New Britain. WA also became the centre of specialised military training. In 1943, Z Special Unit departed Exmouth Gulf in MV Krait to conduct Operation JAYWICK, one of Australia’s most celebrated special operations missions.
The Cold War saw Australia’s strategic focus shift west as the Indian Ocean assumed greater importance. In 1957, the 1st Special Air Service Company was established at Campbell Barracks, expanding into the SAS Regiment in 1964. Since then, the Regiment has served with distinction in conflicts from Vietnam to Afghanistan.
Today, WA remains home to the SAS and the 13th Brigade and the State’s strategic importance continues to grow. As well as the Army’s enduring presence, WA hosts significant capabilities from the other services and warfighting domains. The WA government is proud of the support it provides to the Australian Defence Force and is committed to growing the industry that supports it.
As the Army marks its 125th anniversary, Western Australia can look back with pride on generations of soldiers who have defended the nation, embarked for distant campaigns and served on operations around the world. WA’s contribution and support to the Army is greater than many Australians realise – and remains just as important today.
Photo acknowledgements: The Australian Army Museum of Western Australia and Department of Defence – Australian Army
