Vietnam War
The Vietnam War lasted 19 years, 180 days; beginning 1 November 1955 and dissolving on 30 Apr 1975. The war took place across the then South and North Vietnam; and Cambodia and Laos. Many countries were involved in the conflict; the United States from the beginning sending military advisors to support the anti-communist forces, soon followed by compounding troop deployments in the early 1960's. Heavy conflict continued up until 1973 resulting in many lost lives and destruction; in January 1973 the Paris Peace Accords were signed, yet fighting continued. The US military withdraw their forces on 15 Aug 1973. This page continues to investigate Austraila's involvement in the war.
The Vietnam War is the longest conflict Australia has been involved with, beginning by sending military advisors in 1962 before deploying ground forces in 1965. Approximately 60,000 Australians were involved throughout the conflict; approximately 3,000 were wounded and 521 lives lost.
Many were forced against their will; in November, 1964 the Menzies government introduced a form of conscription named the `National Service Scheme'; the scheme denied any ties to the then current and escalating Vietnam War but this was not well received by many. The scheme required 20 year old men to register for a ballot; birth dates were then drawn at random which on match required up to two years full service in war, followed by an additional three years part time in the Army Reserve.
Men who failed to comply with conscription were regarded as `non compliers' and sentenced to prison. Only fourteen men in Australia were prosecuted for their refusal. Opposition groups of war became unpopular, but war protests began gathering momentum and opposition increased until December of 1972 when the Whitlam government suspended the scheme.
One of these fourteen men refusing service was Mr. Brian Ross, such protest and 'non compliance' with the government made front page headlines on newspapers. He was sentenced to two years jail which he served at Sale Prison; after ten months served he attended a court hearing. Before the court hearing, Brian briefly mentioned to the press he does not intend to recognise the court's inquiry before quickly escorted away by his warders prohibiting him from speaking to the press.
Brian stated in court:
"I believe that I can better serve mankind than by killing." ...
"I believe that I can serve mankind by resisting laws of governments which force me to kill." ...
"I regard my conspiracy against, and my defiance of, this National Service Act as being my service in the national interest." ...
"I believe that I must continue in my state of non-compliance, which includes non co-operation in the further proceedings of this inquiry."
Brian was then returned to gaol.
Further information on the Vietnam War may be found at the Australian Government Commemoration pages at http://vietnam-war.commemoration.gov.au/
Ref:
The Age, p1-3, Aug. 25 1970, "Ross no help to the judge", Gary Dean
Australian Government War Heritage.