On this day in 1917 Australians voted in the second conscription plebiscite. Britain wanted a sixth Australian division for active service but falling enlistment numbers made this impossible. This plebiscite contained a less far reaching proposal than the first vote in October 1916, but the motion was still defeated with an increased ‘No’ vote. Compulsory military service was off the political agenda.
Related
NSW Anzac Centenary website: How the (conscription) battle was waged »
From the Collection
