Ingleburn Army Camp Explained

-33.9742°N 150.8539°WIngleburn Army Camp was a purpose-built camp constructed in 1940 for the Australian Army at Ingleburn, New South Wales, Australia.

History

During World War II, the camp became the major army training facility in New South Wales. Many important army units who trained at the camp served in some of the major engagements of World War II. All corps were trained at the camp including engineers, transport, signals and anti-aircraft units. Originally known as "Ingleburn Military Camp", the Commonwealth acquired 684acres in 1940, which the army had already occupied after setting up tents on 8 October 1939. Accommodation was constructed shortly after by the 2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion to provide for the formation of the Second Australian Imperial Force (2AIF).

Following the outbreak of the Korean War during the 1950s, battalions destined for Korea were stationed at the camp. National Service recommenced and the camp was a major National Service centre. Many Australians experienced military training at the camp prior to be posted to an Army Reserve unit in their home locations.

The Commonwealth Government extended compulsory military training in 1964 and conscripts were sent on military operations outside Australia. The training of National Service recruits was the main function of the camp from 1951 until 1972, when the Commonwealth Government abolished National Service. Since the end of World War II the camp's main function was training camp for the National Service Scheme (1951–72) and as the Headquarters of Second Training Group of the Army Reserves (post 1973).

The Camp on the southern side of Campbeltown road was occupied by the First Signal Regiment from my earliest recollection in the late 1960s until about 1980 when 1 Sig Regt was redeployed to Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane, Queensland. 101 Field workshop was located on Macdonald Rd, opposite the Ingleburn Area Officer's mess. The Area Sergeants Mess was located adjacent to the 2nd Military Hospital and the Military Police school and the Military Correction Establishment. 1 Field Hygiene company was located next to I Field Hospital, commonly known as Manunda Lines. Following its tour of duty in Phuoc Tuy Province South Vietnam, HQ 1 Coy RAASC and its organic 21 Sup Pl and transport Platoons were deployed to Ingleburn in 1966 and were located to the rear of 1 Field Hospital.

The Camp began was wound down in the mid-1990s with units gradually being transferred to other locations. Many buildings were demolished or destroyed by fire in the late 1990s. The site has been vacant since late 2000. Over the past ten years the barracks has been occupied by the Ingleburn Military Precinct Association. The association caters for tours from RSL sub branches, historical units, Probis clubs and schools.

Units based at Ingleburn Army Camp

Memorials

The memorials located at Ingleburn Army Camp include:

References