REJECTED VOLUNTEERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 193, 16 August 1941, Page 6

REJECTED VOLUNTEERS

In an article, "Busy Bodies," appearing in the "Star" it is stated that under the voluntary enlistment system badges were given to men who failed to pass the doctors, but that no such distinguishing mark is available for conscripts. This statement is incorrect. I volunteered for overseas service in 1940, but was rejected "permanently unfit for service overseas, fit for home defence." So far 1 have not received the significant V badge and understand from the authorities that they are being issued to men in class IV. only. This state of affairs is distinctly unfair. Persons in class IV. must have some defect, obvious if only to themselves, that will preclude any service overseas as far as they are concerned. On the oiher hand, men in classes IL and 111., who probably appear and feel perfectly fit. are not granted the privilege of showing, by wearing the volunteer's badge, that they have been turned down for the forces. At the moment volunteers in this position, as far as the general public is concerned, are either classed with the rejected conscripts referred to in the paragraph quoted, or regarded as having dodged the ballots. I wonder the subject has not been a matter of protest by the many volunteers who are without the volunteer's badge. P.J.M.S.