BUCHANNAN, Noel James

Family Name:

Buchannan

Given Names:

Noel James

Gender:

Male

Birth-date:

1945

Death-date:

Unknown

Marital Status:

Unknown, probably single

Age/ Age Range:

20 years old

Location:

VIC, Croydon

Occupation:

Unknown

Primary Motivation:

Conscientious Objector, Pacifism Religious

Reason for Court Appearance:

Application for full exemption from military duties

Court Name and Location:

Magistrates Court, Melbourne

Court Hearing Date:

29 January 1965

Court Outcome:

Application for full exemption from military duties was granted

Military Event:

National Service and Vietnam War 1964-1972

Further Information:

Noel James Buchannan was from Croyden a suburb of Melbourne. He was a Baptist and involved with Christian Endeavor and Youth for Christ. He applied for full exemption from military duties based on his religious pacifism. The hearing was heard by Magistrate W Murray. ND Fowler was legal counsel for the Minister. Noel indicated at the court hearing he wished to study at the Prairie Bible Institute and become a Canadian citizen. Noel told the hearing he would resist attack by atheists or others. He said a seeker is a friend to all and a brother to every other. He was asked if he knew Baptist members who served in WW11 and whether he regarded them as being Christians. Noel replied that they are still Christian but that he disagreed about war and military service. He was also asked about his involvement with the scout movement and duty to the Queen, specifically any inconsistency between the promises made as a scout and his attitude to military service. It was put to him if the country became a vast Nazi camp would that be a good thing. His responses are not recorded. Noel’s legal counsel EW Gillard reminded that magistrate that it was irrelevant about what Baptists accepted, but the only matter for your worship to consider as to whether Noel genuinely holds his beliefs. Gillard also provided the court with evidence of letter from the Prairie Bible Institute. The magistrate granted Noel full exemption from military duties as a conscientious objector based on his Christian pacifism.

Confirmatory Sources:

Peacemaker, September/ October 1965, p.3.; Vivienne Abraham Documents, Noel Buchanan File.