Early in 1946, when work on guided weapons had only just begun in the United Kingdom, it became clear that there was a future need for a long Range, preferably over land, for the testing and development of guided weapons. Such a Range could not be located in the British Isles, and a survey throughout the British Commonwealth indicated that Australia was most likely to provide a suitable site. Therefore, a party of Ministry of Supply and Ministry of Aircraft Production personnel under the leadership of Lieut. General (now Sir John) Evetts carried out a preliminary survey in 1946, selected a site in South Australia which appeared most suitable and submitted a detailed report to the Ministry of Supply.