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Typed page removed from the wireless telegraph signal log written by telegraph operator Brown of the Royal Australian Navy

Date1914 - 1919

Object number00047981

NameDiary page

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 336 x 210 x 1 mm

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA typed page removed from the wireless telegraph signal log written by telegraph operator Brown of the Royal Australian Navy. It is likely that this page is possibly a speech given to the crew on the topic of desertion. According to the notes here, there were eight desertions in one week while the ship was in Brisbane and the captain was threatening harsh penalties for any others thinking of the same action.HistoryThe arrival of WWI saw legions of men enlisting to engage in a situation whose horrific reality could not have been foreseen. As a result, numerous desertions were recorded which brought shame and anger rather than understanding from authorities. According to Section 98 of the Commonwealth Defence Act 1903 "no member of the Defence Force shall be sentenced to death by any court martial except for four offences: mutiny, desertion to the enemy, traitorously delivering up to the enemy any garrison, fortress, post, guard, or ship, vessel, or boat, or aircraft and traitorous correspondence with the enemy." Significantly, this sentence could not be carried out until it was confirmed by the Governor-General. As this page of typed speech indicates, presumably an address by a captain or naval authority, desertion was taken very seriously by all forces. Here the speaker outlines the minimum punishment that any further deserters could expect of "ten years’ penal servitude has been meted out deserters in the home fleets. Since the war began, and it will be the same here." He then reminds the assembled crew that the navy is the "backbone of the Empire" and that without it, and its sailors, England will be lost. Interestingly the speaker differentiates between the army and the navy in an effort to instil pride in the assembled crew. He reminds his naval recruits that they "trained for years to face the present situation, you are valuable and the Admiralty can't afford to lose you". The army however can do without them as "there are plenty of cold footed slackers ashore here to take the place of the killed and wounded, but there isn’t one in a thousand to take your place."SignificanceThe topic of desertion is one not usually addressed in analyis of WWI yet it was a problem for all armed forces, including the navy. Although technically punishable by death, this was not enforced by the Australian government.