Adam D.
Moravski
From Flora and Fauna to
Soldiers: Progress and Recognition
of Indigenous Service
Figure 1: Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander flags.
It is important that the entire Australian
community recognise and understand that
Indigenous men and women served in
Australias armed forces, prior to the
recent history of reconciliation. Firstly, this
project explains why it is crucial that
Indigenous soldiers are recognised for their
service, just like their fellow white
soldiers. Secondly and more crucially, the
research project explains that based on
these formulating principles, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander combatants
should be remembered regardless of the
political climate and historical facts.
Throughout this essay, it is identified how
Australia remembers and recognises
Indigenous service, with reference to the
Australian War Memorial and Anzac Day.
Some emphasis is placed upon the
differences that exist in how Australian
society commemorates Indigenous and
non-Indigenous soldiers. The project
suggests that the ignorance and prejudices
that have existed throughout Australian
history on the treatment of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people continue to
limit recognition. The essay discusses how
Indigenous soldiers have been treated and
remembered over time. Crucially, my
project identifies the advancement in
remembering Indigenous service,
demonstrating how far the community and
Government have come. Furthermore,
common Australian attitudes relevant to
the project, like courage, larrikinism and
mateship, are shown to be inseparable from
the Indigenous soldiers; questioning why
they were treated differently and
establishing a desire for Indigenous
recognition regardless of the side they
fought for.
Research undertaken into Indigenous
service in Australias armed forces is a
fairly recent occurrence, meaning many
people within the Australian public are
possibly unaware of this fact. Until the
1970s, Indigenous service in the armed
forces was relatively unknown to the
public. As a result, it would be surprising
to learn for many Australians that almost
one thousand Aboriginals and Torres Strait
Islanders served in World War One
(WW1) as part of the Australian Imperial
Force (AIF). Importantly, these soldiers
were officially unable to serve for
Australia, as they were not of European
ancestry.1 However, during the period of
WW1, many officers welcomed
Indigenous service, as it resulted in
additional manpower, which was
specifically more crucial after the heavy
loss of Australian life during the Gallipoli
campaign. Reassuring to elements of the
Australian public, the Australian War
Memorial explains that Indigenous
soldiers, were treated as equals and
were paid the same as other soldiers and
generally accepted without prejudice. 2
What is concerning is that the Australian
Government remained strict on Indigenous
1
Defence Act 1903 (Cth) s61 (h).
2
Australian War Memorial, Indigenous defence
service, The Australian War Memorial [website],
2017,
<https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/ind
igenous>, accessed 7 Oct. 2017.
1
service, demonstrating the inconsistencies
and misunderstandings that existed
between the politicians and officers during
this period in history.
The Australian Government and
population have little trouble glorifying
and remembering their veterans. Each year,
the hysteria surrounding Anzac Day is
heavily patriotic. Throughout the media
especially, sporting events and
commemoration services in the
community, fallen soldiers and veterans
are treated as heroes. Ideas of bravery,
honour and mateship are associated with
the soldiers who fought in conflicts, for
Australia. These phrases are used in a
universal manner that applies to soldiers
who fought in any battle Australia was
involved in. It is important to establish that
these traits are also relative to Indigenous
soldiers, as the ideas themselves do not
discriminate based on colour. Particularly
when considering Timothy Winegards
conclusion that Aboriginals and Torres
Strait Islanders, still served with all of the
courage, determination and good humour
HMAT Medic in 1919
of their white comrades.3 This idea has enlist, in order to fight for Australia.4 This
enhanced the potential for Indigenous demonstrates that the authorities acted
soldiers to be recognised just like their discriminately, implementing separation
fellow white or other ethnic comrades. The between whites and the Indigenous people.
current political landscape of reconciliation However, what remains meaningful and
has further enhanced the potential for equal significant is that white soldiers often
recognition for Indigenous soldiers. exhibited anger towards such laws.
WW1 provided one of the first unique Figure 2: Private Douglas Grant second row, fourth
from the left (source: Australian War Memorial)5
opportunities for a form of equality to exist
between white Australians and Indigenous
people. Due to extensive Government laws
discriminating against Aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders, the community in
Australia often remained disconnected
between whites and the Indigenous
population. The possible occurrence for
Indigenous soldiers serving for Australia
demonstrated the flawed inconsistencies
that existed within the authorities, their 4
Australian War Memorial, Aboriginal service
chosen policies and the establishment. during the First World War, The Australian War
Even though officers and soldiers often Memorial [website], 2017,
<https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
welcomed Indigenous individuals to serve, work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 8 Oct.
the Government in 1916 implemented 2017.
stricter guidelines, where the official 5
Australian War Memorial, P11644.002: 6020 Pte
stance was no coloured men able to Douglas Grant (second row, seated fourth from
left) returning to Australia with other soldiers on
[image],
3
Timothy Winegard, A case study of Indigenous <https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
brothers in arms during the First World War, work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 14 Oct
Australian Army Journal, 6/1 (2009), 101. 2017.
2
Relative is the case of Douglas Grant, an
Indigenous soldier whose story was
reported about by the media at the time,
crucial as it shows the entire Australian
establishment was not prejudiced towards
Indigenous Australians. The newspaper
article explains the disappointment felt by
Grant and his fellow white comrades, in
relation to laws prohibiting Indigenous
people from leaving Australia without
Government approval.6 This stopped Grant
leaving to WW1 with his battalion, even
after completing his military training with
his fellow soldiers. This article went
against the status quo of 1916, as common
sense assumes commentary like this would
not have existed in a major and popular
newspaper of its time. It is important to
acknowledge the fact of the media
reporting on this during this period, as it
can be correlated to how and if the present-
day media report on similar matters. This
relates because the current media create
substantial hysteria regarding Anzac Day
and have the capability of promoting
recognition for Indigenous soldiers into
Richard Martin
6
Aboriginal Soldier, The Sydney Morning Herald,
02 Sep. 1916, 20, in Trove [online database],
accessed 11 Sep. 2017.
many elements within the Australian The awkward avoidance of the issue of
community. The modern Australian Australian-Indigenous relations prolonged
mainstream medias mostly silent stance the recognition for soldiers of Aboriginal
on this topic suggests two things: 1) or Torres Strait Islander descent. Similarly,
progress in recognition has been made in ignoring Indigenous service in conflicts for
recent years meaning reporting is not Australia correlates with the common
substantially required and 2) they are more occurrence of forgetting Indigenous history
focused on communicating a popular as a whole. 8 However, even though
viewpoint relevant to the majority of the Indigenous reconciliation is complex, their
Australian community, rather than an service for Australia in times of conflict
Indigenous topic that directly impacts a provides a positive and refreshing outlook,
minority. capable of demonstrating real progress.
Throughout the 21st century, elements of
Figure 3: Private Richard Martin (source: Australian
War Memorial)7 Australian society have ignored the
Indigenous community, likely due to the
unnerving feelings that must be
confronted. In terms of Indigenous service,
Liza Syron highlights the discouraging
point that, [Indigenous] returned soldiers
were not welcomed at their local Returned
Service League (RSL) events, and not
encouraged to march in uniform on
ANZAC commemoration day, once back
in Australian society after fighting for the
7
Australian War Memorial, P00889.017: Private
[image], 8
Noah Riseman, Rectifying the Great Australian
<https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our- Silence? Creative representations of Australian
work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 14 Indigenous Second World War service, Australian
Oct. 2017. Aboriginal Studies, 2012/1 (2012), 36.
3
country. 9 Situations like these go against legally allow Indigenous soldiers to serve soldiers within Norforce are strong in their
the ideals associated with veterans and within the defence forces resulted likely declarations that due to their shared
fallen soldiers by the Australian out of convenience. It did not impact how service, there is no discrimination or
community, like courage, humour, these soldiers served, as they were already separation between any of them. They
mateship and sacrifice. utilising traits such as bravery, hard work speak proudly of this reality. Furthermore,
and strong will. However, there is little this demonstrates that Indigenous soldiers
It was not until 1949 that all restrictions doubt that this was a significant event for have extensive skills to offer the ADF,
were lifted, allowing both Aboriginals and Indigenous progression and still is a unique in the sense that they are specific to
Torres Strait Islanders the ability to serve momentous date in history, in terms of their culture.
freely in Australias armed forces.10 This recognition for the Indigenous soldiers
moment in history is a key indicator of the serving and their community. Figure 4: Corporal Harry Thorpe MM (source:
Australian War Memorial)12
progression occurring in Australia, in
regard to equality between the Indigenous It is crucial that Australia identifies the
and white population. This official position progress that has occurred throughout
demonstrated to the community that history in relation to Indigenous service in
Indigenous people were equal. Crucially, it the armed forces and how these soldiers
furthered the progress of Indigenous are recognised and remembered. One way
recognition within Australian society and of observing the development is
enhanced their prospects of one day being understanding how the situation currently
granted citizenship (which later occurred in takes shape. Simon Reeve shows how
the 1967 referendum). The decision to having Indigenous soldiers in the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) is a

























































9
Liza Syron, Addressing a Great Silence: Black positive for the organisation and country.
Diggers and the Aboriginal Experience of War, He experiences a patrol with a battalion
Cambridge University Press, 31/3 (2015), 224. called Norforce, a unique military unit
10
Australian War Memorial, Aboriginal service who use ancient aboriginal knowledge to
























































12
during the First World War, The Australian War help them survive in the bush. 11 The Australian War Memorial, P01695.002: Corporal
Memorial [website], 2017, Harry Thorpe MM [image],
<https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-























































<https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
11
work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 8 Oct. Australia with Simon Reeve, Part 2, BBC Two work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 14
2017. TV, 26 May 2013 [television program]. Oct. 2017.

4

Even though progress has occurred on
recognition and equality for Indigenous
soldiers, the historic ignorant behaviours
threaten to continue halting full
acknowledgment for their community. The
question of recognising Indigenous people
who fought in the Frontier Wars in
Australia during the colonisation period
against the British is an ongoing debate.
However, if Indigenous soldiers fighting
for Australia upheld the principles of
courage and honour, then it should be
assumed their ancestors fought with similar
behaviours. This possible occurrence is the
most recent form of continued efforts in
striving for equality between white
Australians and the Indigenous population.
As James Bennet, a white soldier pleaded
in 1933, seen them [Indigenous soldiers]
die like the grand-est of white men; and
other little stunts I can mention. So please
be fair and have a little-bit of human
feelings. 13 These words still apply and
have relevance to the present-day issues
associated with Indigenous recognition,
specifically regarding their remembrance
[website], (4 Jun.
14
13
A Returned Soldiers Protest, Cairns Post, 28
Jan. 1933, 11, in Trove [online database], accessed
8 Oct. 2017.
as combatants of war that formed the (gargoyles), along side fauna animals like
unique character of the country of the emu, kookaburra and wombat.15 These
Australia. gargoyles suggest that Aboriginals and
Torres Strait Islanders were categorised as
Figure 5: Private Mack Miller (source: Australian War
Memorial)14
part of the fauna of the Australian
continent. Even though these sculptures
have been perceived by some Indigenous
elders as offensive, they were renovated
rather than removed in 2015, due to their
16
historical significance. This
demonstrates that Indigenous recognition
in the Australian War Memorial remains a
complicated and political issue. It shows
that the inconsistent and sometimes silent
behaviour still exists and is affecting the
ability of Indigenous soldiers to be
remembered; regardless of which war they
fought, as they all affected the developing
15
Lisa Barritt-Eyles, Gargoyles and silence: our
story at the Australian War Memorial, The
Conversation [website], (18 Mar. 2015),
Coincidently, as part of the original <https://theconversation.com/gargoyles-and-
silence-our-story-at-the-australian-war-memorial-
building in 1941, the Australian War
38829>, accessed 11 Oct. 2017.
Memorial has Indigenous head sculptures 16
Primrose Riordan, Indigenous gargoyles to stay
at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra Times
2015),
Australian War Memorial, P10608.010: Private <http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-
Miller Mack [image], news/indigenous-gargoyles-to-stay-at-australian-
<https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10679276>, war-memorial-20150604-ghgitz.html>, accessed 12
accessed 9 Sep. 2017. Oct. 2017.
5
nation of Australia. However, the efforts
and progress exhibited by the Australian
War Memorial in regard to Indigenous
service is substantial.
In consideration of the complicated and
highly political nature of Indigenous
reconciliation, the Australian War
Memorial has extensive recognition for
Indigenous service. They dedicate
elements of their website to Indigenous
soldiers, allowing information on these
individuals to be freely accessed by the
public. However, what remains unclear is
whether the political realities in Australia
on Indigenous reconciliation have any
impact on the way the Memorial
commemorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander soldiers. Critically, on the main
page dedicated to Indigenous service in
WW1, most of the soldiers pictured are
lighter skinned or white (see figure 3 and
4). This may be related to the fact that
many Indigenous individuals lied about
their true ancestry, often claiming foreign
nationality, more achievable if they were
lighter skinned.17 This also correlates with Indigenous service remembrance.
the official stance at the time in 1917, that Indigenous soldiers who served as part of
stated, Half-castes may be enlisted in the Australias defence forces have been
Australian Imperial Force provided that the recognised substantially within the
examining Medical Officers are satisfied Australian War Memorial. However, the
that one of the parents is of European stories of these individuals need to be
origin. 18 However, many Indigenous made more public, particularly in places
soldiers who fought in WW1 were black like the mainstream media. This would
(see figure 5). allow the Australian community to
understand the complex history of the
From the discriminatory legislation that matter. As a result, one day potentially,
disallowed Indigenous people from serving Indigenous people would be recognised
in Australias armed forces legally, to the within the Australian War Memorial
present-day recognition efforts, there is no regardless of the side they fought for; on
doubt the community has come a long way the basis they fought with courage, honour,
in reconciliation. Even though the efforts mateship and sacrifice.
contributed by institutions like the
Australian War Memorial have been Figure 6: The Australian War Memorial, Canberra
(source: Gondwana Choirs)
meaningful and significant in the context
of where the issue once was, there is still a
measureable potential capable of more
17
Timothy Winegard, A case study of Indigenous
brothers in arms during the First World War,
Australian Army Journal, 6/1 (2009), 197.
18
Australian War Memorial, Aboriginal service
during the First World War, The Australian War
Memorial [website], 2017,
<https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 8 Oct.
2017.
I have, to the best of my knowledge,
complied with all laws and guidelines
by all relevant parties, in relation to 6
copyright.
References
Primary sources:
Aboriginal Soldier, The Sydney Morning Herald,
02 Sep. 1916, 20, in Trove [online database],
accessed 11 Sep. 2017.
A Returned Soldiers Protest, Cairns Post, 28 Jan.
1933, 11, in Trove [online database], accessed 8
Oct. 2017.
Secondary sources:
Australia with Simon Reeve, Part 2, BBC Two TV,
26 May 2013 [television program].
Australian War Memorial, Aboriginal service
during the First World War, The Australian War
Memorial [website], 2017,
<https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 8 Oct.
2017.
Australian War Memorial, Indigenous defence
service, The Australian War Memorial [website],
2017,
<https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/ind
igenous>, accessed 7 Oct. 2017.
Australian War Memorial, Private Miller Mack,
The Australian War Memorial [website], 2017,
<https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10679276>,
accessed 8 Oct. 2017.
Images:
Barritt-Eyles, Lisa, Gargoyles and silence: our
story at the Australian War Memorial, The Australian War Memorial, P01695.002: Corporal
Conversation [website], (18 Mar. 2015), Harry Thorpe MM [image],
<https://theconversation.com/gargoyles-and- <https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
silence-our-story-at-the-australian-war-memorial- work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 14
38829>, accessed 11 Oct. 2017. Oct. 2017.
Defence Act 1903 (Cth) s61 (h). Australian War Memorial, P10608.010: Private
Miller Mack [image],
Riordan, Primrose, Indigenous gargoyles to stay at <https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10679276>,
the Australian War Memorial, Canberra Times accessed 9 Sep. 2017.
[website], (4 Jun. 2015),
<http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act- Australian War Memorial, P00889.017: Private
news/indigenous-gargoyles-to-stay-at-australian- Richard Martin [image],
war-memorial-20150604-ghgitz.html>, accessed 12 <https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
Oct. 2017. work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 14
Oct. 2017.
Riseman, Noah, Rectifying the Great Australian
Silence? Creative representations of Australian Australian War Memorial, P11644.002: 6020 Pte
Indigenous Second World War service, Australian Douglas Grant (second row, seated fourth from
Aboriginal Studies, 2012/1 (2012), 35 48. left) returning to Australia with other soldiers on
HMAT Medic in 1919 [image],
Syron, Liza, Addressing a Great Silence: Black <https://www.awm.gov.au/about/our-
Diggers and the Aboriginal Experience of War, work/projects/indigenous-service>, accessed 14 Oct
Cambridge University Press, 31/3 (2015), 223 2017.
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Gondwana Choirs, Australian War Memorial
Winegard, Timothy, A case study of Indigenous
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Australian Army Journal, 6/1 (2009), 191 206. <http://gondwana.org.au/special-projects/australian-
war-memorial/>, accessed 20 Sep. 2017.