Serving Georgians

The First World War, known at the time as the Great War, was fresh in the memories of those who in 1939 listened to Prime Minister Robert Menzies broadcast on the ‘wireless’ that it was his “melancholy duty to inform you officially that, in consequence of the persistence by Germany in her invasion of Poland, Great Britain has declared war upon her, and, as a result, Australia is also at war”.

The Great War had exacted a fearsome toll on Australia. With a population of fewer than 5 million, more than 60,000 of the 416,809 who had voluntarily enlisted had been killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner – a casualty rate of more than 50 percent. Just 21 years later the sons and daughters of that generation of soldiers, sailors and aircrew were again being asked to commit themselves to a second meatgrinder, differing only from the first by its killing efficiency.

Nonetheless, members of the College answered the call. Of the 311 freshmen who walked through the College Archway before and during the war, 163 joined the armed forces, an extraordinary 52 percent. Another six, who came to College after the war ended, had enlisted during the war, and we also recognise them on the honour board in the Archway.  

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