Royal Australian Naval Armament Depot

Once a vital military facility during and after World War II, the Royal Australian Naval Armament Depot in Byford played a key role in Australia's wartime defence operations. Established in the early 1940s, the depot remained in use until 1981, after which it was abandoned and later demolished to make way for the “Byford on the Scarp” housing estate.

Historical Information

The depot was established in 1942–43, initially known as R.A.N. 145 and later renamed the Naval Armament Depot, Fremantle, before becoming the Naval Armament Depot, Byford in 1947. It was developed inland to reduce the risk of seaborne attacks and was well-positioned with access to a rail spur connecting to the State Brickworks.

The site expanded rapidly during the war to cater for the storage and assembly of mines and other naval weaponry. Mines were assembled at Byford and transported by rail to Cockburn Sound, where they were prepared for loading onto submarines. At its peak, the depot held around 2,000 naval mines, 15-inch (one-ton) shells, and various munitions down to 0.303 rifle rounds. Purpose-built storage buildings housed this vast supply.

By the end of the war, the facility employed around 250 staff, approximately half of whom were women, working across storage, assembly, and logistics roles. Notable personnel included Mr A. W. Bennett, Officer in Charge of Mines; Mr R. A. Williams, Laboratory Foreman; Mr F. G. James, Mines Foreman; Mr E. S. Randall and Mr F. H. Cottrell, Store Foremen; and Mr M. G. Lawford and Mr J. R. Helme, Mechanical Chargemen.

The depot remained operational until 1981, when its functions were transferred to Garden Island to support the development of HMAS Stirling (Fleet Base West). Some remnants of the site, including rail sidings, were still visible before full demolition occurred around 2005.

Physical Description

The depot was set in bushland at the base of the Darling Scarp, occupying a large, secured area with natural vegetation and a quiet, isolated atmosphere. It featured earth-covered concrete bunkers, spaced far apart to reduce the risk of chain detonations. These bunkers were designed to be low-profile and were partially buried or covered with soil and vegetation for both camouflage and safety.

A narrow-gauge rail network ran through the facility, linking bunkers to external lines. Additional infrastructure included administrative offices, police barracks, small assembly buildings, and internal access roads. The entire facility was fenced and patrolled during its operation. Built for function rather than comfort, the depot reflected the urgency and practical needs of the war, and by the time it was decommissioned, it stood as a quiet and weathered reminder of its importance.

Present Day

The original depot site is now home to the Byford on the Scarp residential estate. All physical infrastructure, including buildings and rail lines, was removed during the site's redevelopment around 2005.

While there are no visible remnants, the site's history is still recognised through:

  • Local interest from historical societies

  • Mentions in community heritage records

  • Occasional inclusion in local walking tours or interpretive projects

The transformation of the site reflects Byford’s shift from a wartime hub to a growing suburban community.

Further Reading & References

  • Mann, Wilma. Harnessing Voices: A History of the Serpentine-Jarrahdale District, 2001

  • Local archives from the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale

  • Oral histories and community contributions (available via SJ Library)