This unit was first raised on the 10^th October 1899 as the Albany Volunteer Garrison Artillery. Its purpose was to support the Permanent Force artillery battery already stationed in Albany. It was armed with a few small Maxim guns. Unlike most units in the late era of the WADF it had its own cap badge, a black swan on a silver grenade. Its first and only commanding officer was Captain Meeks. Its strength was 1 Officer and 18 men of ranks. On the 1^st July 1903 it fully passed to federal control and was renamed as the 1^st Western Australian Company, Australian Garrison Artillery. In December 1911 it was changed again to the 12^th Company, Australian Garrison Artillery.and in July 1912 it was changed for the final time to the 11^th Garrison Artillery.

During the 2^nd Boer War 10 men were accepted to serve with the Western Australian Mounted Infantry, 7 in the 1^st WAMI, 2 in the 5^th WAMI and 1 in the 6^th WAMI. The men consisted 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal, 1 Lance Corporal and 7 Privates. One man of the Albany Artillery was injured while part of the WAMI. The men serving in the 1^st WAMI from the Albany Artillery were used as gunners for the 2 Maxim Guns in the contingent.