Conscription support against national trend

As the War dragged on and fighting particularly on Europe’s Western Front stalemated, the mounting Australian casualties and the need to relieve soldiers that had been in the field for lengthy periods the government sought to boost military strength by conscripting men into the armed forces.

Referenda in 1916 and 1917 to introduce conscription were both defeated although in Warragul and the wider local district it had overwhelming support.

Research by Warragul military historian Ron Blair reveals all six polling booths in the Warragul, Buln Buln, Walhalla and Narracan shires voted strongly in favour of conscription in both ballots although the second showed a slight easing of support.

Across the three shires the votes in 1916 were 4245 in favour compared to only 1885 against.

In 1917 is was 3946 “yes” and 1911 “no”.

Counts at the individual booths were:

Warragul – 1212 and 1168 “yes”, 512 and 456 “no”.

Drouin – 916 and 821 in favour, 442 and 484 against.

Moe – 1190 and 1132 for, 411 and 475 against.

Neerim South - 364 and 330 “yes” votes compared to 225 and 173 “no” votes.

Walhalla – 272 and 217 for, 172 and 203 against.

Yarragon – 291 and 278 “yes” 123 and 120 “no”.

Ron Blair browses through the book “Courage and Sacrifice” that he has compiled detailed the World War 1 service of all those from the municipalities that now form Baw Baw shire. The book can be viewed at the Warragul RSL.