Ingleburn Army Camp

Ingleburn Army Camp was a purpose built camp constructed in 1940 for the Australian Army at Ingleburn, New South Wales, Australia.

History

Originally known as Ingleburn Military Camp, the commonwealth acquired 684 acres (2.77 km²) in 1940, which the army had already occupied after setting up tents on 8 October 1939. Accommodation was constructed shortly after by the 2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion to provide for the formation of the Second Australian Imperial Force (2AIF).

During World War II, the camp became the major army training facility in New South Wales. Many important army units who, having trained at the camp, served in some of the major engagements of World War II. All corps were trained at the camp including engineers, transport, signals and anti-aircraft units.

Following the outbreak of the Korean War during the 1950s, Battalions destined for Korea were stationed at the camp. National Service recommenced and the camp was a major National Service centre. Many Australians experienced military training at the camp prior to going into an Army Reserve unit.

The Commonwealth Government extended compulsory military training in 1964 and conscripts were sent on military operations outside Australia.

The training of National Service recruits was the main function of the camp from 1951 until 1972, when the Commonwealth Government abolished National Service. Since the end of World War II the Camp's main function was training camp for the National Service Scheme (1951–1972) and as the Headquarters of Second Training Group of the Army Reserves (post 1973).

The Camp on the southern side of Campbeltown road was occupied by the First Signal Regiment from my earliest recollection in the late 1960s until about 1980 when 1 Sig Regt was redeployed to Enoggera Baracks in Brisbane QLD.

The Camp began was wound down in mid-1990s with units gradually being transferred to other locations. Many buildings were demolished or destroyed by fire in the late 1990s. The site has been vacant since late 2000.

Units based at Ingleburn Army Camp

• 2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion
• 2/20th Australian Infantry Battalion

• 1 Signal Regiment Early 1960s (granted freedom to enter City of Campbelltown 1964) - December 1980

Memorials

The memorials located at Ingleburn Army Camp include;

• 2/16th Australian Infantry Battalion Memorial (relocated)
• National Servicemen Memorial (relocated)
• Memorial Wall dedicated (lists names of all units which have served at Ingleburn)
• Memorial grove of cypress surrounding a sandstone column monument

References

• NSW Heritage Listing
• "Place ID 105649". Australian Heritage Database. Australian Government.