School of Eastern Interpreters

SCHOOL OF EASTERN INTERPRETERS
SPECIAL OPERATION AUSTRALIA SOA
SERVICES RECONNAISSANCE DEPARTMENT SRD
"Z" SPECIAL UNIT

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 579 Park Road, Park Orchards at Ringwood near Melbourne in August 1944. The house still exists today but is abandoned.

Park Orchards Chalet was also used earlier in the war as a Radio Intercept site by No. 5 Wireless Section in April 1942. They intercepted Japanese Diplomatic radio traffic for "D" Special Section, also known as the Diplomatic and Press Section of the Australian Army. The men lived in tents on the football ground between Arundel Road and Park Road. Octagonal huts were built as service buildings. Later the Chalet, with six acres on the east and north, was purchased and repaired. The Army paid for electric power and water mains to be extended into Park Orchards. Previously, a windmill had pumped water from a well for the Chalet and kerosene lamps had been used. The unit was to run a wireless interception and signals communications station. The interception station was not installed, but the unit carried out communication to the Pacific area.

Photo:- NAA Item ID 8295435