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Milne J S     2nd Air Mechanic    2344

Page history last edited by Lenore Frost 9 years, 9 months ago

Volunteers of Essendon and Flemington, 1914-1918

 

No. 4 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, taken after Christmas dinner at Bickendorf

Aerodrome, 1918.  2AM J S Milne is identified in this photo. Australian War Memorial Collection. http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/P02658.004

 

 

Milne J S     2nd Air Mechanic    2344    John Stuart             AFC    23    Tailor    Single    C of E       

Address:    Essendon, Kinnord St

Next of Kin:    Milne, John Thomas, father, Kinnord St, Essendon   

Enlisted:    9 Jun 1917       

Embarked:     A29 Suevic 21 Jun 1917   

 

Refusal to Take the Oath.

 

John Stewart Milne was charged with refusing to take the oath as set out in the attestation papers. Mr. Brennan appeared for defendant. Major Kerr said that on October 10 last, defendant attended at the Ascot Vale Drill, Hall, was passed as fit, and ordered to report at the military camp. Milne, when asked to do so, hesitated, and finally refused to take the oath. Witness said, "You can take it before me or a civil justice of the peace," but defendant again declined.

 

To Mr. Brennan: I produce my commission as a J.P. for the Central Bailiwick. All men certified as fit were required to take the oath. Defendant was supplied with forms to be used in case he desires to apply for exemption. Defendant said it was his intention to enlist, in the Australian Infantry forces. Witness could not swear that Milne afterwards presented himself for voluntary' enlistment at the Melbourne Town Hall. He subsequently attended at the Drill Hall, and showed me a recommendation from Major Grover, which was "not worth the paper it was written on." He also produced a certificate from Dr. Strahan stating that he (Milne) was undergoing treatment for varicocele. Major Grover, adjutant to the principal medical officer, recommended that Milne should be given leave in order that he might be operated on. Dr. Strahan's certificate was "fit for service." I have not got Milne "set" and did not attempt to influence Major Grover against defendant.

 

To Captain Wollaston: Defendant could not be given leave until he took the oath. Mr. Brennan contended that though Milne had attested he was not an enlisted person. He had not attempted to evade his responsibilities. He complied with all requirements by reporting at the Drill Hall and explaining that it was his intention to enlist in the A.I.F. For that purpose he presented himself at the Melbourne Town Hall and consideration of his application was postponed. Major Grover giving him a letter to the Maribyrnong military representatives asking that his case be held over temporarily on account of his physical condition.

 

Defendant, on oath, stated that when he reported at the local Drill Hall he explained that he intended to enlist. He volunteered his services at the Town Hall Recruiting Depot, received a certificate of unfitness, and was recommended to go into the Melbourne Hospital to undergo an operation. He preferred, however, to place himself under Dr. Strahan, who treated him for varicocele and gave him a certificate. His refusal to take the oath was simply actuated by his unfitness to go into camp. Major Grover had recommended that he should be given leave, and Major Kerr promised to make inquiries, but the next order he received was to go into camp. He desired leave in order to go under an operation prior to going into camp.

 

Dr. Cole: Suppose we adjourn this case. Defendant has defied the military authorities, but has undoubtedly shown his bona fides in the matter by voluntarily enlisting and being rejected. His statements to Major Kerr, his interview with Major Grover, and his placing himself under Dr. Strahan are all bona fide acts.

 

Captain Wollaston: If defendant takes the oath we will give his case every consideration. Dr. Cole (to defendant): Well, will you take the oath? Captain Wollaston: If he does I will guarantee that he is given four weeks' leave. Defendant intimated his compliance with the proposal, and the case was adjourned for four weeks.

 

EXEMPTION COURT. (1916, November 23). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74600893

 

War Service Commemorated

Essendon Town Hall L-R

Essendon Rowing Club

Moonee Ponds West State School

St James Anglican Church (S)

Essendon Gazette Roll of Honour With the Colours

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