100 years — We will remember them
by Ken Taylor
Today we pause and remember those who fought in World War I. We remember those who were killed or wounded in action. We remember those who survived and came back home with the mental scars.
Today is the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918, Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies to finish World War I. In those times of course, it did not matter what profession you were in, you went to war. If you were young enough, fit enough and passed the requirements, you would be shipped off to war, either by conscription or volunteering.
There were 416,809 Australian men who enlisted in the war, with 60,000 killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed or taken prisoner. World War I saw many professionals alongside farmers and labourers, including those from the legal profession.
Today, we remember and acknowledge those in the legal profession who served, and also those who lost their lives in battle. Law students, articled clerks, solicitors, barristers and judges, all served their country. They left the comfort of their law firms and chambers to fight overseas in appalling conditions. They left safety to heed Australia’s call.
Interestingly, the sons of many of the country’s judges were among the highest enlistment rates. It would seem that professionals such as lawyers were so well respected and prominent that it was an expectation that they set the example for others and lead the way.
Queensland’s Chief Justice at the time — Sir Pope Cooper — was a supporter of the war effort and led the way for others. Judges, including Judge Charles Jameson and Judge Thomas O’Sullivan, had sons who lost their lives on the front lines.
Their sacrifices and acts of courage deserve respect and honour — even 100 years later. Queensland’s Supreme Court Library ran an exhibition in 2015, displaying a snapshot of legal professionals who fought in World War I. You can read more about the exhibition “In Freedom’s Cause: the Queensland Legal Profession and the Great War” here[i].
Solicitors who did not go to war also assisted from home by providing free advice to soldiers and supporting the Red Cross. Historian Tony Cunneen spoke of this in an article published in the QLS Proctor magazine October 2015 edition[ii]. He explained that barristers were also involved in funding rooms for the use of the Red Cross in the Inns of Court building in Brisbane.
“This was the centre of the Red Cross in Queensland, a hive of activity receiving and sending consignments of goods and opening its doors to returned service personnel, their families and the general public.”
There was also, of course, a shortage of lawyers during World War I and women filled various roles. During this time, we saw fully qualified women stepping into legal roles that men had previously been in.
Solicitors continue to be a big part of their local communities by engaging in organisations, pro bono work and by assisting their local businesses and neighbours. This mateship is a great testament to a tried and true profession, one that we are proud to have not only in Queensland, but the remainder of the country. We stand united by the desire to help others and improve the laws for society.
It is now 100 years later since the end of that war. I encourage you to reflect on their sacrifice, and that of those who stayed behind, such as those who assisted the Red Cross and provided legal advice. We also reflect upon and remember the women who could not engage in battle but nursed the wounded, tended to the family farm back home and more broadly, the families of those who were at war.
Lest we forget.
[i] Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre, Exhibitions, Supreme Court Library Queensland website. https://legalheritage.sclqld.org.au/in-freedoms-cause
[ii] Bratchford, D. (2015). In Freedom’s Cause. Queensland Law Society Proctor magazine, October 2015.
