'At the outbreak of war in August 1914, thousands of men from across the nation flocked to recruiting centres to sign up to serve in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). This figure includes approximately 1,200 Aboriginal people. The lives of these men as civilians were often fraught with difficulty due to the attitudes and policies of the time.
'Despite legislative barriers to exclude people not of ‘substantial European descent’ from serving, 135 Aboriginal men with ties to Western Australia are known to have volunteered in World War I, including 83 who actively served, 50 who were rejected and three who contributed in an unofficial capacity — one of whom had previously been rejected.
'The motivations for volunteering were varied. We can assume that many who signed up saw it as an opportunity not to be missed, rallied on by the press that portrayed war service as fulfilling a sense of duty and patriotism. Some were caught up in the excitement of the moment, or attracted by the thought of a regular wage, while others simply followed their mates — light-hearted, confident and curious. There were also those who may have seen it as a chance to unshackle the inequalities experienced in their lives.'
'This publication provides a snapshot of volunteers who were prepared to sacrifice their lives for their country and their stories.' (Publication summary)
Epigraph:
Drawn to the cause as brothers, they eagerly joined the throng. Arm in arm with their sporting mates another game was on;
Distance was no barrier, a yearning for a fight, the chance of opportunity to demonstrate one’s might.
A name, address and next-of-kin, complete the application, satisfy the man in charge and represent the nation;
The less able deemed unfit and homeward would be sent. So too the aspirants not of substantial European descent.
The successful left in spirits high with future tests in mind, the ousted ones to ponder why the rules were so unkind;
A keepsake on departure from those endeared the most, a round of hearty handshakes at a communal send-off toast.
Rallied to the station to await the whistling of the train, kit-bag over shoulder and gusto oh so plain;
The journey to the camp was a calamitous affair, with numbers ever multiplying to assemble there.
Subjected to additional trials to sort out those less sturdy, section 61(h) of the Defence Act rejected those no less worthy. — MARK CHAMBERS