Volunteer. Defence Corps (VDC) was raised and maintained its early years by the Returned Sailors Soldiers and Airmens Imperial League of Australia (RSSAILA): Boer War and Gallipoli veteran General Sir Harry Chauvel was appointed Inspector General. The VDC comprised men from every part o Australia and every walk of civilian life-volunteers under or over the age limit, unfit for combat in the regular forces, or in reserved occupations age limit 16 to 60!
There were a few full-time members, but most trained or an average of 6 hours a week at night or on weekends. Initially the government only supplied some weapons, but from 1941 on it supplied Standard army uniforms. The VDC was never well equipped however.
In 1942 the VDC became a corps of the. CMF, and it then had a strength of 44,000 men.
The primary role of the VDC gradually moved from providing static defence to operating coast defences, searchlights. and anti-aircraft batteries in emergencies-some 5,000 men of the VDC were called up for full time service in order to free up younger men for combat duties. And a few were sent into war zones on active service!
After the threat of invasion was over, members of many units were.freed from their regular parade attendance responsibilities to concentrate on rural production. The VDC was officially disbanded in August 1945.
Source: “On Guard-with the Volunteer Defence Corp” (1944) Australian War Museum