Interview with Harold Stewart (When the war came to Australia)

Mr Harold Stewart enlisted as an 18 year old in Warwick Queensland. He joined because his mates were joining the Army. Aborigines were not conscripted. As an Aborigine, he didn't experience any discrimination when he joined. In combat situations, there was no prejudice, when in camp he was made to feel "inferior" to some degree. He recounts episodes of prejudice in civilian life, for example going to church in Warwick. Aborigines were grouped together as a drunk and untrustworthy race, which was a gross generalisation. He was trained as an artillery gunner and sent to Magnetic Island, Queensland. He mentions the American troops' relations between black and white servicemen- they had divided camps between Negroes and whites, they didn't mix and there was tension and even killings. Mr Stewart had two good friends who would stand up for him. Mr Stewart sketches army life for the enlisted soldier - paid equivalent to 75c per day, when you ran out of money you would wash socks, towels, trousers etc. Aborigines helped the coastwatchers and the troops in the Northern Territory. One Aborigine, Reginald Saunders, became a Captain. If you had the ability and were Aboriginal, you made it. Saunders made it on merit, no favouritism. Mr Stewart was a member of the RSL, as he was a non-drinker. Attitudes to Aborigines weren't changed during the war as there were so few, eg 3/1100 in Mr Stewart's unit- too few to influence opinion. Mr Stewart benefitted a great deal from the Army self discipline, conduct, cleanliness etc. He thinks compulsory national service-not military- would be beneficial. He received post-war support as an ex-serviceman in getting a job and a house. He describes an argument he had with the Drill Sergeant, Bull Bennetts. The Army discipline could be sadistic and there was no love lost between the soldiers and the Army.