Balcombe Army Camp, Mount Martha
Balcombe Army Camp, Mount Martha
DATE1942 to 1954
MEDIAImage
COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society
REG NO.1387.4
HISTORYIn March 1938 the Mornington district was used as the setting for the Annual Militia Camp. Paddocks at Beleura and open areas at Mount Martha served as encampment sites for seven hundred and fifty men of the 10th Infantry Brigade, who staged a six days mimic war with Gallipolli like scaling of the beaches between Mount Eliza and Mount Martha and a “battle” for the key position of the Mornington pier. Then in September 1939, Germany invaded Poland, and the UK declared war against the aggressor.
The Menzies government brought in a 3 year defence plan, and training militia was stepped up. A portion of Mount Martha near the beach was used as a training ground for young men from banks, offices, and other civilian groups who spent 3 months under canvass, learning the art of warfare.
In 1940 the Commonwealth acquired land from the Henty family, and from the estate of R.Ostberg to make a permanent camp of 209 acres, which, because of its proximity to Balcombe Creek and the original home of pioneer Balcombe family at the Briars, was named Balcombe Camp.
Australia became a head quarters for the American forces. They came for rehabilitation, and recuperation after the Guadacanal in 1942.
Over a thousand peninsula people were there as the gates were unveiled in November 1954. The gates were built by apprentices at Balcombe and stand as a tribute to the American First Marine Division. The occasion was colourful and historic. A party of American marines, flown to Australia especially for the event, were in full dress uniforms. The unveiling ceremony was carried out by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brooks, himself a General of British marines.
1. This shows a group of uniformed soldiers seated in front of the gate of the Balcombe Army Camp. They are on a podium. One is standing in the front of a microphone. They are all wearing medals, and full dress uniform. One of the seated men is a business man in a trilby hat. It is some sort of ceremony.
2. This shows a group of uniformed soldiers marching. Ahead of them is a dog.
3. A group of soldiers in full dress uniform with swords and medals are involved in the ceremony.
4. This image shows an impressive pair of wrought iron gates with light coloured brick pillars either side.
Armed forces, Ceremonies, Gates, Next Term: Soldiers comfort funds Soldiers, World War, 1939-1945
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