Falling In by John Barrett

Falling In

Australians and 'Boy Conscription' 1911-1915

by John Barrett

Hale & Iremonger, 1979, black & white illustrations and photographs, paperback, ISBN 0908094566

Very Good Condition, previous owners inscription on first title page, some highlighting and underlining

'How would Australians react to the reintroduction of compulsory military training?  How did they react to their first taste of military compulsion back in 1911-1915?  Falling In concentrates on that first scheme.  It asks whether Australians disliked it, what support its opponents had, and how the Labor Party responded to it.  The title reveals the book's theme: most Australians accepted compulsory training.  Historical research and the memories of 267 trainees support that claim.  The final chapter argues that this acceptance changed little in the half-century to Vietnam.'