Historical information

Volunteer Defence Corps tunic and belt issued to V373891 Corporal Ian Stewart Wallace of the Albury Company Volunteer Defence Corps, 1942. Corporal Wallace was born at Kergunyah, Victoria, 24 November 1900. The VDC Company at Albury was raised in mid-1940. An initial meeting was organised by the local R.S.S. & A.I.L.A (RSL) on 28 May 1940. Names of intending members was forwarded to Sydney and on 11 July 1940, Captain Phillip Heywood, a grazier of ‘Hawksview’ and returned WWI officer, was appointed to command Area R.9 which took in Albury, Holbrook, Howlong, Corowa and Walbundrie districts. It is likely Ian Wallace joined in February 1942 when membership was expanded from former servicemen to over-age men and those in reserved occupations. Uniforms were only issued in 1942, prior to that VDC members paraded in civilian dress.

Significance

Rare example of uniform worn by Volunteer Defence Corps member during 'dark' days of Second World War when Australia feared invasion.

Physical description

Khaki serge tunic with Corporal's chevrons, Rising Sun collar badges, metal buttons and VDC shoulder flashes.

Inscriptions & markings

'V373891 Wallace I S' on name tag inside coat.