National Servicemen`s MemorialPrint Page 
The plaque commemorates those who undertook National Service in the Australian Defence Forces from 1951 to 1972.
Between 1951 and 1959, 500,000 18 year olds registered for National Service, with around 227,000 of those subsequently trained and serving in the army for three months, or the navy and air force for six months.
National Serviceman were restricted to operations within Australia, but it was different with Vietnam once the Government realised they wouldn`t have enough regular soldiers to meet their objectives. National service was extended from three months to two years, limited to the army and included service overseas.
Between 1965 and 1972, all 20 year olds had to register, totalling around 800,000 men; of those, 63,000 were conscripted through a birthday date ballot. A total of 19,000 were sent to Vietnam, making up just under half of the Australia Army presence of 42,000 personnel.
Location
| Address: | Commercial Street West & Wehl Street, Vansittart Park, near War Memorial, Mount Gambier, 5290 |
|---|---|
| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -37.826261 Long: 140.774331 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | Multiple |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | 1951 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | 1972 |
Dedication
In memory of all who served as National Servicemen within and outside Australia
1951 - 1972
