The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) took formal control of Swan Island in July 1922, primarily to provide storage and preparation for 2000 offensive ‘sea mines’ purchased from the British Admiralty after WW1.
During WW2, facilities and personnel were rapidly expanded to cater for the increased demand for mines, explosives, and depth charges.
After the end of WW2 in 1945, Swan Island continued as a mine depot, bulk storage site and transit depot for shipments for other explosives. Civilian staff were still recruited locally, with the RAN depot probably the biggest employer in Queenscliff with over 50 staff. Between 1958-60, the RAN prepared to close the mine depot due to costs and less need for mine storage.
The Swan Island base was transferred back to the Australian Army in late 1960 and the University of Melbourne Regiment was the first to march in for training on 7 January 1961.
