INGLEBURN
ARMY CAMP
World War II
– The need for a new Military Camp
Ingleburn was
the first purpose-built camp for the training of Australian infantry to fight
in World War II. The nature of warfare had changed by World War II, becoming
more technical with soldiers being required to operate new types of weapons
and transport. This placed a greater emphasis on the training of recruits for
fighting.
Construction
as an embarkation camp began on 8 October 1939 to provide accommodation for
the
new
2nd AIF.
During World
War II, Ingleburn operated primarily as an infantry camp, but all corps were
represented including engineers, transport, signals and anti-aircraft units.
The camp was
an assembly point for Army brigades, most notably, the 16th Battalion of the
6th Division, the first Australian overseas contingent. Other brigades
included units from the 7th and 9th Divisions.
The Korean
War
During the
1950s, Battalions destined for Korea were stationed at Ingleburn. The Korean
War in 1951 resulted in changes in the size and use of the site.
National
Service
National
Service recommenced following the outbreak of the Korean War and by 1954
Ingleburn was a major centre for the National Service Program from 1951 till
it was abolished in 1972. Many Australians experienced training at Ingleburn
prior to going into a Reserve Unit.
In 1964, for
the first time, the Commonwealth Government extended compulsory military
training and conscripts were sent on military operations external to
Australia. Prior to this, conscripts were only obliged to fight on Australian
shores.
In 1973, the
Army’s Infantry School was moved to Singleton. The School had been a feature
of the Camp since the 1960s.
Training Camp
In 1973 the
Camp became the Headquarters of the Second Training Group of the Army Reserve.
This remained its main function until 2000.
The Ingleburn
Military Heritage Precinct
Planning &
Consultation
Stakeholders
have been included during the planning and consultation process. There has
been enthusiastic support and endorsement of the Precinct by ex-service
organisations with an attachment to Ingleburn. The consultation also included
a wide range of interested people, including former recruits, occupants,
civilians and service associations. Ex-service organisations have reviewed and
endorsed all detail work including Precinct renovations and design of the
memorial.
Heritage
Benefits for the Community
The Ingleburn
Military Heritage Precinct is a place of remembrance. It represents the
service and self-sacrifice made by thousands of men and woman associated with
the Army Camp over its long and proud life. The Precinct provides a fitting
tribute to the role of Ingleburn in Australia�s military history and a place
for ongoing tribute by future generations.
The military
units which served at the former Ingleburn Army Camp are identified for the
first time. Provision is made for ongoing meaningful use of the Precinct by
those to whom it is most important � for commemorative services, quiet
contemplation or major reunions and community use.
Contribution
to Heritage Issues
The Ingleburn
Site means a great deal to many people, having played a major role in our
past, especially through the training of Australians during times of War and
National Service. The Precinct recognises this national significance by
creating a monument to those who served through the memorials and retained
historic buildings. It will generate a sense of place and presence of
Australian history, incorporating the most significant social and heritage
values of the site.
The Ingleburn
Heritage Assessment and Military Heritage Precinct provide excellent examples
of how the memories and history of a site can be successfully integrated into
the planning process for a major urban release.
POC : Bernard
Connell,
Honorary Secretary,
Ingleburn R.S.L. Sub branch,
Member of the Interim Management Committee,
Ingleburn Military Heritage Precinct.
(w) 9600 4191
(fax) 9600 4057.