THE AUSTRALIAN PEACE HONOUR ROLL

Family Name:

Bright

Given Names:

Robert

Gender:

Male

Birth-date:

Unknown

Death-date:

Unknown

Marital Status:

Unknown, probably single

Age/ Age Range:

Early 20s

Location:

SA

Occupation:

Clerk

Primary Motivation:

Conscientious objector

Reason for Court Appearance:

[1] Application for full exemption from military duties
[2] Appeal the decision to not be granted full exemption from military duties

Court Name and Location:

[1] Elizabeth Court of Summary Jurisdiction
[2] unknown

Court Hearing Date:

[1] 18 June 1966
[2] 9 October 1966

Court Outcome:

[1] Full exemption from military duties was not granted
[2] Appeal upheld and granted full exemption from military duties

Military Event:

National Service and Vietnam War 1964-1972

Further Information:

Robert Bright was from South Australia. He worked as a clerk. He applied for full exemption from military duties as a conscientious objector. The court hearing was 18 June 1966 and the application was dismissed. Magistrate Harnman accused him of being coached in answering the questions. Roberts written statement states clearly that to kill or help such killing in any military situation is a deplorable perversion against the mind and an irreversible stain against the body. He stated that his conscience forbids him to participate in the peculiarly widespread and violent form of aggression against nature that is war. Despite these statements being consistent with a pacifist position the magistrate dismissed his application.  Robert did not call any witnesses to corroborate his beliefs. The magistrate was of the opinion that during the hearing Robert’s answers were often hesitant and hedged and there appeared major inconsistencies in his answers. His evidence was confused and superficial. Robert’s application was dismissed. Robert appealed the decision. At the appeal hearing on 9 October 1966 he was granted full exemption from military duties as a  conscientious objector.

Confirmatory Sources:

Peacemaker, Jan 1967, p.3.; Robert Bright File, Vivienne Abraham Documents.