Fairey Battle Bomber plane

"International Harvester played an important part during World War II. In addition to building many parts essential for war, they were also a base for the fairy battle bomber airplanes. In the above photo you can see the white buildings of the army barracks protecting the airfield with planes ready for takeoff.  (1940)"

Early in 1940, Geelong received its first military contract. The Commonwealth Government had exercised its right to utilize the services of the plant and its work force. Geelong Works became a large contributor to the war effort, manufacturing guns, tanks, shells, aircraft and other war equipment. Geelong Works still continued to produce certain lines of farm equipment to help feed the thousands of soldiers overseas.  Engineers at the works were able to develop equipment for large scale vegetable production during the war. As a result, many new lines of vegetable equipment were available in Australia.

 - excerpt from International Harvester in Australia : Geelong Works - book by SJ Galloway