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VOLUNTEER AIR OBSERVERS CORPS

By Dulcie Cronin (Willmott)

“On 31st December, 1941, the War Cabinet granted the necessary approval for a community based organisation to be known as the Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) to become part of the R.A.A.F. Fighter Sector, Air Defence Organisation. Australia's population of 7 million, in an area of approximately 2,900,000 square miles, brought about difficulties to establish and maintain an efficient air reporting system.
The aim of the VAOC scheme was to report and plot any hostile aircraft, lost aircraft and give assistance to downed crew.
There were eight country zones in Western Australia, each with a control post. Our post was Narrogin with the R.A.A.F. Fighter Sector Headquarters located at Mt. Lawley with its main control post on the campus of the University of Western Australia. In each zone, there were observation and reporting posts. Many of these were telephone exchanges in small centres, sidings and on farm properties. Most were manned on a 24 hour basis.
 

OBSERVERS BADGE            #1

An example of the VAOC system at work
Aircraft sighted, aircraft identified direction to / from, compass bearing estimate of height and distance from post sound - any abnormality with engine sound then ring through to exchange using term 'Air flash'.
- Operator at exchange to clear lines and report to zone.
- Zone then plots aircraft and advises Fighter Sector by phone or teleradio.
One such post was at my parents Les and Violet Willmott's 'Avoca' farm, as they had the North Moulyinning telephone exchange. The paddock across the road from the home was used as the air strip and is still known by the family as the Aeroplane paddock.
The frame of the air socket still stands today. The Avoca post had 17 volunteer observers who took their turn to observe at two hour intervals through the night from 9 pm to 5 am. The Willmotts also observed through the day and manned the post 24 hours a day.

 

   OBSERVERS IN ACTION        #2

      NATIONAL ADEVERT CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS       #3
 
Twice through the war years, Avoca VAOC post was placed on full alert. We were told not to leave the post in any circumstances. We were later informed by F/L C.J. Rainbow RAAF Inspection Officer, an unidentified aircraft was reported approaching Geraldton.
There were three indications of this aircraft. The sounding of air raid sirens were ordered in Perth and Fremantle.
Again in March 1944, it was thought Japanese naval forces had entered the Indian Ocean with the aim of attacking Fremantle. News of the emergency in Western Australia leaked out to the public and rumours spread of a coming Japanese invasion or air raid.
Bombs and supplies were rushed to Cunderdin for use by heavy bombers. However, no raids developed.
My brother Roy and I pleaded with Dad to paint the roof of our home green, because it was galvanised iron, we thought we would be easy targets. We were told we would have to take pot luck.
Members of the RAAF flew in regularly to the Avoca post, mostly by tiger moths, one, two or four at a time, each with two airmen. After reporting the aircraft to the control post, we would meet the airmen at the airstrip and take them home for either morning or afternoon tea. No doubt these visits were to check if the post was manned continually.
After the war we were presented with a badge and certificate for three years service to the RAAF.”
GNOWANGERUP
Margaret Walker remembers there was an observation post set up opposite the Gnowangerup Post Office.
The threat was linked to the sighting of Japanese submarines off the coast of Albany/Bremer Bay.
In addition,Japanese Zero planes had bombed Darwin and north Western Australian towns. At least 200 Australians had been killed and an unknown number of American Airmen and support crew.
Windows in Gnowangerup were covered with newspaper or painted black. Trenches were dug at the school. Schoolchildren were undertaking trench drill.

SITE OF THE GNOWANGERUP OBSERVATION POST            #4
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

 

References:                 Article:      From the ‘Dumbleyung and Districts Short Stories’

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Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2023