Family Name:
Nelms
Given Names:
Christopher Reginald
Gender:
Male
Birth-Date:
Unknown
Death-Date:
Unknown
Marital Status:
Unknown, probably single
Age/ Age Range:
Early 20s
Location:
VIC, Mordialloc
Occupation:
Factory Hand
Primary Motivation:
Conscientious Objector-Pacifism Religious
Reason for Court/ Tribunal Appearance:
[1] Application for full exemption from military service
[2] Appeal of decision to not grant full exemption
Court/ Tribunal Name and Location:
[1] Magistrates Court, Melbourne
[2]. District Court, Melbourne
Court/ Tribunal Hearing Date:
[1] 29 September 1966
[2] 2 November1966
Court/Tribunal Outcome:
[1] Granted exemption from combatant duties
[2] Granted full exemption from military service as a conscientious objector
Military Event:
National Service and Vietnam War 1964-1972
Further Information:
Christopher Nelms was a factory hand from Mordialloc a suburb of Melbourne. His hearing was before Magistrate Bennett on 29 September 1966, the same day as applicant Ian McDonald. Christopher was a Jehovah’s Witness and stated in court that and was opposed to killing. He informed the court that his father was a conscientious objector (presumably during WWII. He believed that only God could tell him he must go and kill. Chistopher was supported in court by his mother, a friend from school and the Revd. Bruce Silverwood. The Revd. Was a member of the Methodist Department of Christian Citizenship which was responsible for providing help for conscientious objectors. He explained he had spent some time in interviews with Christopher and those who knew him .He informed the magistrate that he believed Christopher was sincere in his conscientious beliefs. Despite the testimony and support the magistrate granted exemption from combatant duties only. Christopher appealed the decision. His hearing was before Judge Nelson in the Melbourne District Court on 2 November 1966. The judge granted him full exemption from military service as a conscientious objector.
Confirmatory Sources:
Peacemaker, October 1966, p.3.; Canberra Time, 3 November 1966, p.3.
THE AUSTRALIAN PEACE HONOUR ROLL 