65TH ANTI-AIRCRAFT SEARCHLIGHT COMPANY RAE (65 AASL COY)
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WW2

The 65th Anti-aircraft Searchlight Company RAE (65 AASL Coy), later known as the 65th Anti-aircraft Searchlight Battery was raised in April/May 1941. They used 53 AASL Coy locations at Maribyrnong for intensive practical training. As training progressed they took over some of 53 AASL Coy positions.

The men of 65 AASL Coy were war duration conscripts. These personnel were referred to as USP's our Universal Service Personnel.

In October 1941, 64 AASL Coy carried out a 3 week period of intensive training. From that point in time  and 65 AASL Coy and 53 AASL Coy took over their positions at that point in time.

65 AASL Coy used 150cm, 800 candlepower Sperry anti-aircraft searchlights. Fred Hillier was one of those attached to 65 AASL Coy. 

In November 1941, 65 AASL Coy and 53 AASL Coy moved to Werribee in Victoria under the command of Major M.R. Duxson for co-op work with Anti-aircraft guns. This ended with a night time practice shoot.

65 AASL Coy was based near Darwin at some stage during WW2.

REFERENCES

"Expose - A History of Searchlights in WWII"
by Noel F. Hill

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 19 November 2003

This page last updated 23 January 2020