Details.
No. 2 Central Reserve.
Albury, NSW.
By M.D. Moore. August, 1993.
Formation
Approval to establish No. 2 Central Reserve was given by Air Board Agenda No. 3348 of 27 June 1941. Cost of establishing the unit was estimated to be $49,340 for buildings, $26,480 for engineering services, 5% or $3,800 for contingencies making a total of $79,600. Further funds of $32, 260 were requested later by ABA No. 3398 of 19 August 1941 for additional storehouses and living accommodation for the personnel required to guard and operate the explosives area.
Approval to permanently acquire 2CR's site was approved by ABA No. 3480 dated 29 October 1941. The area comprised of slightly over 110 hectares of privately owned land situated in rolling hills approximately eight kilometres north of Albury a little over 1.5 kilometres west of the Albury-Sydney railway and less than a kilometre from the Olympic Way (Culcain Road) from the Hume Highway just before the Ettamogah Wildlife Park (Not to be confused with the Ettamogah Pub further North). The cost of compensation for the land was estimated to be $4,000.
Of the 110 hectares, only approximately 85 hectares was to be contained within the fenced boundary, the remaing 24 hectares was to remain unfenced to save costs. Expenditure on construction work, buildings and engineering services was estimated as $111,860. In fact the site was only officially taken over on 11 February 1942 and it was slightly over 110 hectares.
The first eight members of the advance party for the new unit had left Melbourne at 0900 hours on 7 January 1942, led by FLGOFF L. Mallen. Arriving in Albury at 2115 hours that night. They spent the night at Ryan's Hotel in the city. The first signal sent by the new unit from the local Post Office - number 0/1 dated 8 January 1942 - confirmed their arrival.
The next morning they were joined by a WOFF and six airmen who had arrived from other areas on posting. The advance party then moved to the unit's site where arrangements were made for power and telephone connections. At the time none of the buildings had yet been completed and on 15 January 1942 a delegation from Headquarters arrived to inspect progress. The conference following that visit resolved that every endeavour was to be made to have the buildings ready to receive the first explosive stores by 21 January 1942.
FLTLT Anderson arrived on 19 January 1942 as the unit's first commanding officer, allowing the unit to be officially formed on that same day. The original manning establishment was increased to 41 about August 1941, later being increased again to 70 in October 1942.
Operational.
The first explosive stocks arrived on 24 January 1942 from 1AD, Laverton. Although expected to arrive at 0720 hours on that day, the train did not arrive at Wodonga until 1000 hours. Then the rail trucks could not be positioned alongside the railway crane for unloading until 1500 hours. Army trucks were organised to transport the explosives from the railway yard to the unit.
Further consignments of explosives were received ex 1AD on 28, 29 January and 3 February. More stores arrived from the Army Central Ammunition Depot (which was also situated at Albury).
By 9 March 1942, all buildings in the safe and danger areas had been completed, with the exception of building number 1 (laboratory).
An interesting event occurred on 2 July 1942 when a Beaufort aircraft flown by FLTLT Ryan landed at the Albury aerodrome due to bad weather and mechanical trouble. FLTLT Ryan requested assistance from 2CR as the only RAAF Unit in the area, and several of the unit's Fitters/Driver Motor Transport worked on the aircraft carrying out repairs. The repairs were successful, allowing the Beaufort to fly out on 8 July 1942 for Laverton. This may have been the only time that a Central Ammunition Reserve carried out aircraft maintenance. (This aircraft was almost certainly A9-42 belonging to the famous 100 Squadron on ferry from Mareeba, Qld to Laverton - unless there were two Beauforts landing at Albury on the same day!)
Although most of the buildings were completed by mid 1942, accommodation remained scarce. To provide much needed living quarters, four portable huts were received on 4 September 1942 for guards sleeping quarters. A surplus aircraft packing case was also received on the same day - this was immediately put to use as the Barracks Store!
Approval to construct additional explosive storehouses and domestic support buildings (boiler house, etc.) was given by ABA No. 4320 of October 1942 (to cost an estimated $14,552). This agenda also approved alterations to the Officers and Sergeant's messes and accommodation in conjunction with the increase in unit strength from 41 to 70.
A severe dust storm with gale force struck the unit on 17 February 1943 at approximately 1800 hours. Some slight damage was caused to the roof of one of the airmen's huts, tree branches were blown across the boundary fence and power lines, cutting off power to the unit. Tarpaulins were also blown off the ground dumps.
Work commenced on 14 July 1943 to construct three latrines for use by WAAAF members. However, there appears to be no record that WAAAF ever served at 2CR.
First disbandment - 1944
No. 2 Central Reserve was disbanded on 30 September 1944. There was apparently little warning as the last history sheet ending August 1944 makes no mention of impending disbandment! No. 4 Maintenance Group HQTRS history sheets records that 7RC, 8RC and 2CR were all notified on 14 July 1944 to cease functioning from 31 July with the view of disbandment. However, it was noted that due to the large quantity of explosives stocks held at 2CR, the unit should perhaps be transferred to 5MG HQTRS.
In fact, 2CR was absorbed into 1CR as their No. 5 Sub-Depot in mis September 1944. Although the actual date is not given in 1CR summary of activities in that months history sheet, the 5MG HQTRS history sheet for 1 December 1944 states that 'formal handing over of 2CR at Albury to 1CR was made this day'. 1CR managed the site until 2CR reformed and moved back to Albury. (Nothing is known about the unit during this period. 1CR's history sheets do not record any information about the Albury Sub-Depot at all).
Post war reformation - 1946.
No. 2 Central Reserve was reformed on 16 April 1946 at Bacchus Marsh, Victoria by taking over 1 Replenishing Centre located there. 2CR's Headquarters then moved back to Albury on 23 April 1946 and took over the unit from the 1CR Detachment there. (The 1CR Detachment had been advised to leave behind all publication, technical orders, etc. which were considered necessary for the reformation of 2CR).
(DOSD letter 172/3/3079 2 Apr 46 on file 2/1/Air - Box AA1969/100/339 at Australian Archives).
A small number of personnel were left behind at Bacchus Marsh as 2CR Detachment A (comprising CPL E.A. Marsh and 5 airmen, who were to act as guards).
Apart from the former 1RC Detachment stocks, the first explosive stores arrived in Melbourne aboard the ship SS Murray River. This consignment of 1,200 tonnes was then moved direct to Albury.
The unit provided assistance on 17 December 1948 for two other aircraft in transit, this time Oxford aircraft being moved by road from Melbourne to Bankstown (Sydney). The convoy was stopped by the NSW Police at Albury and after organising the necessary clearances, 2CR provided one of their own Chevrolet utilities for the rear escort, allowing the convoy to resume their journey on 22 December.
A request was received from the Hume Shire Clerk on 10 February 1949 for assistance in fighting a serious bush fire at Hamilton Valley (approximately 5 to 8 km from the unit). Twenty men with a water tanker and fire fighting equipment left the unit and soon had the fire under control.
Despite being only 8 kilometres from Albury, a water supply pipeline was not provided to the unit forcing it to rely on rainwater tanks and carting. Consequently, water shortages were a continual problem. In an effort to provide a reliable source, an inspection of the area was carried out over 26 - 28 February 1949 to locate the best position to sink a bore to augment the rain water tanks. (The Assets Register for 2CR (No. 446) shows the primary source of water supply was rain water, with other sources being cartage from the Albury water supply. The nearest water point was just over 11 kilometres. There was also a dam mentioned - this was 45 by 30 metres with an average depth of 1.8 metres holding just over two and a quarter million litres of water. However, the dam water was only suitable for fire fighting or flushing).
Later surveys in November 1949 selected a site considered suitable and a trial bore was commenced on 7 April 1950. However, after reaching a depth of 80 metres without success drilling was given up. Department of Works and Housing were then requested to investigate an alternative scheme to augment the water supply.
By 25 June 1949, all ammunition had been transferred from Detachment A Bacchus Marsh and arrangements were made to employ a civil caretaker to guard the Bacchus Marsh site until it was finally disposed. This was completed during September 1949, when the last of the explosive stocks and all general equipment was removed and the caretaker engaged.
However, disposal of the Bacchus Marsh site was deferred and on 1 June 1951 the site was handed over to 1 Stores Depot, who used the buildings for storage of 'Y' group equipment (the first load of stock from 1AD actually arrived at Bacchus Marsh on 2 May 1951). Later ICI used some of the storehouses to store gelignite. (File 3/1/Air - Box AA1969/100/339 at Australian Archives).
During August and October 1949 experiments were carried out by Department of Works and Housing in laying grass sods on the explosive storehouse traverses to prevent soil erosion. In the second half of 1949, the unit strength of only 21 made the normal RAAF catering system inefficient. On 28 June the Southern Area Headquarters Catering Officer (FLTLT Clark) visited the unit to investigate the change over to a 'standard' contract system in lieu of the 30 cents per day. This was introduced on 24 August 1949.
2CR was appointed the master holding unit for the servicing and inspection of all RAAF stocks of depth charge pistols in 1950. This was despite being inland far away from units operating over water.
During 1951, planning commenced for the introduction of National Service Trainees at 2CR. Apart from requiring increased accommodation, the introduction of a planned 26 NST's, two instructors and six staff more than doubled the unit's strength (at that time being only 20!). After completing all arrangements, the first 13 National Service Trainees (to form the 1st Flight) arrived on 30 July 1951. Following medical, kitting, etc. these NST's commenced their Air Force training on 21 August 1951. A second flight of 11 NST's arrived on 10 December 1951.
Water continued to be a constant problem, and commencing 6 December 1951 had to be purchased from the Albury City Council and carted to the unit. During December 1951/January 1952 255,000 litres of water was carted, 214,ooo litres during February, 112,000 litres during March and only 34,000 litres in April.
Also during that summer (1951/52) it was very dry, causing numerous grass fires in the area. On 3 January the unit fire crew and other personnel assisted in fighting a grass fire at Ettamogah (approximately 2.5 km from the unit boundary). Later on 10 January 1952 they assisted in fighting a fire at 'Table Top' the adjoining property owned by Mr W. Battie. Another fire was fought at Albury North on 17 January.
The first flight of NST's left 2CR on 17 January 1952 for Laverton where they took part in the combined graduation parade on 18 January. On 21 January, these first trainees completed their training and were transferred to the RAAF Reserve.
Early in 1952 a local farmer, Mr F.W. Heath, was granted grazing rights over about 270 acres of 2CR for a period of five years from 1 April. A licence fee of $324 per annum was charged, however it was not specified if this was paid to the unit or consolidated revenue.
Training of police dogs was introduced to 2CR during 1955. On 26 April the RAAF PM and APM visited the unit for discussions regarding the introduction of the Police Dog Training Centre to the unit, and after inspecting the area a site was selected and pegged out to erect the kennels and runs. It is not recorded when the first dogs arrived, but PD 'Satan' escaped from the dog line on 24 August 1955. Unfortunately, Satan was destroyed by a local property owner three days later on the 27th. (A member of the SIB arrived on 30 August to investigate the circumstances into the loss).
Early in the 1950s, all permanent RAAF units were required to design an official unit crest, or badge. The only record of a badge for 2CR was one designed by a LAC P.J.H. Baker, described as having a red coloured bomb and a German Shepard dog, black and sable with white teeth, brown collar, with the Albury War Memorial Hill in white picked out in black thread, all on a pale blue background. (The bomb was to represent the unit's activities, the dog the recently arrived Police Dog Handling Centre and the Memorial Hill indicating the location). Unfortunately, there is no record of this or any other badge/crest ever being adopted for the unit. (File 1/7/Air - Box AA1969/100/339 at Australian Archives).
In the second half of 1955 the Riverina district of South Australia and Victoria were under siege by a grasshopper plague. The RAAF provided considerable assistance to the civil authorities in fighting the plague, with 2CR providing one water tanker, a driver and a equipment assistant which left Albury for Mildura on 16 November 1955. The 2 CR team joined others from Laverton, Ballarat, Tocumwal and Canberra in supporting the aerial spraying by a TAA Dakota. (File 2/1/Air - Box AA1969/100/339 at Australian Archives).
With the closing down of No. 1 Basic Flying Training School at RAAF Uranquinty a truck was sent to that unit and brought back new equipment for use in the Sergeant's and Airmen's Mess. A second trip to 1BFTS on 27 January 1959 brought back more surplus equipment, including electric fans. Later on 23 March 1959 the surplus aircraft fire truck from 1BFTS was allotted to 2CR. This was put to good use later on 13 August of that year when the Albury Fire Brigade requested assistance to fight a fire which had partly surrounded the West Albury district. A fire tender with knapsack sprays and fire beaters was sent to the area. The unit's efforts were of great assistance in controlling the fire and this was favourably reported in the local press.
On 23 January 1960, the Hume Shire Council advised that due to abnormal summer conditions, water could no longer be supplied from the shires hydrant point until further notice. Fortunately, the next day arrangements were made to obtain water from the nearby Army No. 4 Central Ammunition Depot. Carting water began that same day with 28,000 litres being transported. Fortunately, the water supply improved by the end of February, allowing 230,000 litres to be carted on the 29th to 'top up' the unit's tanks. After that it was only necessary to cart water to keep the levels up.
The unit was again called out to assist in fighting fires twice on 4 February 1960. The first fire was caused by a crop dusting aircraft crashing about six kilometres from the unit, causing the grass to catch fire. Later, a grass fire was reported '800 yards' from the unit at the corner of the Hume and Riverina Highways (although that distance is obviously wrong!) and a water tanker, fire truck and drop side truck with personnel equipped with knapsack sprays and beaters were sent to the fire. This was brought under control after burning out approximately 16 hectares of grass land.
The Holbrook Shire planned extensive repair and maintenance activities in the vicinity of 2CR during the early part of 1960. As this impinged within the safety distances, a SQNLDR and FLTLT from Headquarters visited the Shire Offices to ensure that no danger would be created.
Final Disbandment - 1961.
In the second half of 1960, planning began to close down 2cr. On 22 August, the CO SQNLDR R.S.J. White visited HQSC for discussions with the relevant staff. This was followed by a visit by the Chief Inspector of Explosives from DEFAIR accompanied by Staff Officers from HQSC on 7 September 1960 for discussions regarding the probable disposal/dispersal methods to achieve disbandment at a later date.
On 5 October 1960 HQSC Administrative Instruction 25/60 was received with disbandment details. Disbandment was to be by the end of June 1961. However, by December 1960 it was thought that stocks of bombs would still be held in the area well after the end of June 1961.
For though the unit was being reduced, they were still able to render assistance in fighting a burning semi-trailer near the unit (between the Rex Motel and Southern Cross Motel at East Lavington). Members of the unit assisted the Albury Fire Brigade and Police in extinguishing the fire and removing the burnt out truck from the highway.
The transfer of 500lb aircraft bombs commenced on 26 April 1961 with the loading of four Department of Supply semi trailers for delivery to 1CR. Dept of Supply were to provide up to 10 semi trailers each week until all stocks were cleared. Once all bombs were issued, 2CR was to be finally disbanded.
By 5 May 1961, 1,080 bombs had been transferred to 1CR, leaving 2,714 to go. 837 were moved by 15 May, 912 on 23 May, 432 on 29 May and the last 533 on 10 June.
Following the transfer of the last of the explosives, HQSC Routine Order 25/61 promulgated the formation of the disbandment party with effect from 1 July 1961. Accordingly, 2CR was officially disbanded at midnight 30 June 1961, as advised by the last signal sent from the unit - number 0/564 (which incidently cost 3 pounds, 2 shillings and 6 pence ($6.25) to send through the local post office).
The disbandment party was then formed on 30 June to oversee the final clearance of the buildings and assets. On completion of this task, the last of the RAAF personnel left 2CR on Friday, 14 July 1961.
A Mr. John Williamson was appointed as resident caretaker from 3 July 1961 to assume responsibility for the property pending disposal. (An interesting condition of employment of the caretaker was that if he was required to use his own bicycle, then an allowance of $26 per year was payable. If the RAAF provided a bicycle, then there was no allowance. However, if the caretaker patrolled the area using a horse drawn vehicle, then payment of a forage allowance between $48 and $124 was to be made!) (Letter 61/1/24 dated 8 June 1961 on file 3/11/AIR - Box AA1969/100/339 at Australian Archives).
Footnote:
Strangely, the site of 2CR today is still reserved Commonwealth land and is enclosed by a man proof fence with very faded no trespassing signs. Behind the locked gates at the entrance can be seen debris from the units buildings, while the remains of several of the explosive storage bunkers can be seen in the hill slopes. About 300 metres from the Hume Highway the access road is still clearly sign posted 'Central Reserve Road' off the Olympic Way to Culcairn.
Commanding Officers
19Jan1942 - FLTLT G.S. Anderson.
03Mar1942 - SQNLDR L. Mallen.
05Jan1944 - FLTLT J.W. Munro.
16Apr1946 - FLTLT J.V. Humphreys.
23Aug1946 - FLGOFF A.J. Byrne.
09Jan1947 - SQNLDR L.A. Coleman.
22Aug1947 - FLTLT A.J. Byrne.
02Nov1951 - SQNLDR T.G. Wood.
08Oct1954 - SQNLDR R. Dutton.
02Aug1958 - R.A.J. White.