The evolution of functions and work of the Munitions Supply
Laboratories (CA 2554) during World War 11 led to its name being changed in July 1948 to Defence Research and Industrial Laboratories. The title gave recognition to the assistance given to secondary industry which had come to be regarded as a legitimate and essential contribution to defence potential. The agency, however, adopted Defence Research Laboratories" (abbreviated to D.R.L.) as its title.
 
Functions included the investigation of manufacturing processes, investigations relating to service stores and equipment, maintenance of accuracy of instruments used to control the manufacture of munitions and aircraft, analysis and testing for conformity with specifications, preparation of specifications, design and construction of instrumentation for laboratory and service use, plus long term research on such subjects as the functioning of explosives, the mechanical properties of metals and the design of optical systems. The following sections existed within the laboratories: General Chemistry, Chemical Defence, Explosives and Ammunition, Metallurgy A, Metallurgy B, Engineering, Metrology, Physics-Optics, and Electricity. There was also a Crystal Physics Group, a Technical Information Section,and a Publications Unit.
 
The Chief Superintendent of the Defence Research Laboratories was Mr. A.E Dawkins.
 
In 1952 the agency was divided into a Chemical and Physical Research Laboratory, and a Defence Standards Laboratory.
 
In 1949 a Research and Development Branch was created within the Department of Supply and the Defence Research Laboratories
administratively became part of that Branch. Consequently the Laboratories became more involved in research and development work and there was a slowing down of the scientific advisory service because of reduced resources available for it.
 
As a result of a review of departmental policy and organisation in about 1953 it was decided that the greater part of the research and development work on new weapons projects should be catered for by other parts of the Research and Development Branch.
Therefore in 1953 the functions of the Defence Research Laboratories were re-defined and the name of the establishment was changed to the Defence Standards Laboratories (CA 2556).
 

Historical agency address
Cordite Avenue, Maribyrnong, Vic

Agency controlled unregistered

DEFENCE RESEARCH LABORATORIES, NEW SOUTH WALES DIVISION, 1948-1953