What was the opinion of the Australian people regarding conscription?

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Didge Doo Profile
Didge Doo answered

We've had conscription three times: During both world wars, and peace time conscription to "National Service" during the 1950s, which extended on into the Vietnam War.

It was immensely unpopular with the majority of  those who were conscripted, and with their families. It's a certain vote loser.

My personal experience was good. The timing was lucky -- 1956 was after Korea and before Vietnam so, unless there had been a blow-up over the Suez Crisis I was unlikely to see any action. It was an opportunity to experience things I would never have done otherwise.

The attitude during WWI was different to the later period for Australians still considered themselves to be a British colony. By WWII (partly because of the way Australian soldiers were led by incompetent British officers during WWI -- and I'm quoting my father who fought in France and Belgium from 1915-1918) that attitude had changed. We were now a nation in our own right, and in our own eyes.

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Didge Doo
Didge Doo commented
Thanks, Happy.

And Rooster, I could believe that. They don't think much of the Iraqis, either
Ancient One
Ancient One commented
Great answer. A couple of your guys saved my hide in Korea. (A slight disagreement with a bar keep.)
Didge Doo
Didge Doo commented
Glad they were some help, Ancient One. If you were in Korea you must be even older than me. It's a pleasure to meet so venerable a person. ;-)

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