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A Recruiting Appeal from Sir…
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Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
8-Dec-2024
Lot No.
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Description:
A Recruiting Appeal from Sir Ernst Shackleton, an extremely rare 4-page folded leaflet (22 x 14 cm) headed 'How Will You Answer This?' in which Shackleton explains 'I speak to you men as one who has carried the King's flag in the white warfare of the Antarctic, and who is going now to serve in the red warfare of Europe.' issued on behalf of the state Recruiting Committee, Moore Street, Sydney, the pamphlet lists 'Six solid Reasons' why men are encouraged to join the A.I.F. The first reason: 'A free trip to Europe...with food, clothing and travel by boat and rail, giving you a chance to see the world.', Unlike the other countries engaged in World War I, conscription was not introduced in Australia. All the Australians who fought in World War I were volunteers. Prime Minister Billy Hughes made two attempts to introduce conscription: two conscription referenda were held in 1916 and 1917. Both were lost to the 'No' vote. Feelings on the issue ran high and bitterly divided the community. While many politicians favoured conscription, it was strongly opposed by many in the community.
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Category:
Printed & Written Material: Historical Documents