Mount Martha Research Station

MOUNT MARTHA RESEARCH STATION
MOUNT MARTHA, VIC
FOR Z SPECIAL UNIT
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII

The Technical Directorate of Services Reconnaissance Department established the Mount Martha Research Station MMRS in May 1944 with wings specialising in:-

From June 1944, field parties were sent there to train them for their operational roles, and testing and modifying equipment. A Signal Training Unit was later added to the training carried out at Mount Martha. In April 1945, the pre-operational trainings aspects relocated to Darwin and Morotai.

Peter Cirulis told me that there was a training establishment at Mount Martha in Victoria known as the Mount Martha Research Station MMRS which was built on Site 5 of the camp. It commenced operation on 22 May 1944 with a staff of Lt. Ulrich, 4 sergeants, 3 corporals and 19 other ranks. It was intended to fulfill the combined functions of Stations IX, XII and XV in the UK. Much of its work was concerned with the development of Folboats, canoes and rubber boats but it also worked on airborne supply equipment and techniques, camouflage to suit local conditions and the design of all kinds of equipment for use in jungle warfare. The Technical Director in charge of the work was Lt. Col. C V Holland.

Peter Cirulis recalled reading an article in the Sun in about 2006/2007 about Z Special Unit member Jack SUE, who revisited the Arthur's Seat lookout and commented that they used to train between Dromana and Mount Martha.

From February 1944, the Fraser Commando School on Fraser Island in Queensland trained agents in setting up clandestine networks for espionage and intelligence. This work was then taken over by the School for Eastern Interpreters at Park Orchards Chalet, at Ringwood near Melbourne in August 1944. There has been some suggestion that they may have been at Mount Martha Research Station for a short while before moving to Park Orchards.

Special Operations Australia (SOA) - Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)
Mount Martha Research Station, campsite overlooking Port Philip Bay

Special Operations Australia (SOA) - Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)
Mount Martha research station, Camp buildings

Special Operations Australia (SOA) - Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)
Mount Martha research station, camp buildings

Special Operations Australia (SOA) - Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)
Mount Martha research station, demolition huts

Special Operations Australia (SOA) - Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)
Mount Martha research station, boat workshops

Special Operations Australia (SOA) - Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD)
Mount Martha research station, boatshed

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