CAMP Z, COWAN CREEK,
REFUGE BAY, NSW
USED BY Z SPECIAL UNIT
DURING WW2

visits since 16 April 2003

"Z" Special Unit had a secret camp known as Camp Z located on the top of a cliff at Cowan Creek, at Refuge Bay (Broken Bay), north of Sydney. It was located about 4 miles west of Palm Beach. Food and supplies for Camp Z were brought in a 14 foot boat from Coal and Candle Creek.

In early September 1942, 11 naval ratings trained at Camp Z. From their ranks, the members of Operation Jaywick were to be selected. Jaywick involved an attack on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour on 26/27 September 1943 in the battered Japanese coastal vessel "Krait".

The men were required to access the beach below the cliff by bosun's chair and they would then climb back up the cliff by swing-climbing on a rope. They trained fro about 18 hours per day for 3 solid months. They were not allowed access to cigarettes, alcohol or female company for the whole 3 months. They were plagued by snakes and some very hot days.

They learnt how to use and disassemble and reassemble in the dark, their rifle, a Bren Gun, a Lewis Gun, an Owen Gun and a Sten Gun. They had concentrated physical fitness training which included canoeing. They learnt techniques for moving silently through water and the bush and various camouflage techniques. They learnt, bushcraft and how to use a compass and a map. They learnt how to transport and set explosive charges. They learnt how to sneak up on an enemy guard and kill them using a knife, cord, or other weapons.

They rowed their canoes across Broken Bay and up and down the Hawkesbury River. They also carried out mock attacks on the West Head Defences and other military camps in the general area.

Towards the end of the 3 month of intensive training, Bill Reynolds brought the "Krait" from Sydney and anchored her off Camp Z. Davidson then selected 5 men from the 11 trainees who would become members of  "Jock Force", who would carry out Operation Jaywick.

The "Krait" left Camp Z on 18 January 1943. headed for Cairns in tropical north Queensland. On board were:-

Bill Reynolds
Lt. D. Davidson
Cpl. R.G. Morris
Acting Able Seaman W.G. Falls
Acting Able Seaman A.W. Huston
Acting Able Seaman F.W. Marsh
Acting Able Seaman M.M. Berryman
Acting Able Seaman A.M.W. Jones

There is now very little evidence of Camp Z. Just a few retaining rocks can be seen where the camp used to be. (Can anyone supply me with a current photo of the camp area?)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I'd like to thank Steve Matthews for his assistance with this home page.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"The Heroes"
by Ronald McKie

"Manly Daily", 25 March 2000
Article by Danielle Teutsch (does anyone have a copy of this article?)

"Coaster's Retreat History"
by Jim Macken

Heaps of WW2 books available at Amazon.com

"Australia @ War"

This page first produced 16 April 2003

This page last updated 20 March 2004