Family Name:
Lavis
Given Names:
Roger Frank
Gender:
Male
Birth-Date:
1946
Death-Date:
Unknown
Marital Status:
Unknown, probably single
Age/ Age Range:
Early 20s
Location:
WA, Middle Swan
Occupation:
Electrical Fitter
Primary Motivation:
Conscientious Objector-Pacifism Religious
Reason for Court/ Tribunal Appearance:
[1] Application for full exemption from military service
[2] Appeal against not being granted full exemption from military service
Court/ Tribunal Name and Location:
[1] Police Court, Perth
[2]. Supreme Court, Western Australia
Court/ Tribunal Hearing Date:
[1] 9 May 1966
[2] 27 June 1966
Court/Tribunal Outcome:
[1] Application for full exemption from military service was not granted
[2]. Appeal upheld, full exemption from military service was granted
Military Event:
National Service and the Vietnam War 1964-1972
Further Information:
Roger Lavis was from Middle Swan in Western Australia and an Electrical Fitter by trade. He was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and as such opposed war and militarism. He applied for full exemption from military service. The hearing was in the Perth Police Court on 9 May 1966 before Magistrate W Blackwood. The magistrate did not grant the application. Roger appealed to the Supreme Court of Western Australia. The hearing was held on 27 June 1966 before Justice Neville. It was the first appeal before the Western Australia Supreme Court since the reintroduction of military conscription in 1964. The judge was convinced of the Roger’s sincere faith and accordingly granted him full exemption from military service as a conscientious objector.
Confirmatory Sources: Peacemaker, September 1966, p.3; Canberra Times, 29 July 1966, p.10; West Australian, 11 May 1966, p.9; Daily News, 27 June 1966, p.2.
THE AUSTRALIAN PEACE HONOUR ROLL 