In this incomplete recording of the interview, Edward Pitt discusses his experiences and those of friends in the Defence Force across several conflicts.
Edward expresses great satisfaction in his service as an Australian Army reservist in the 1970s and believes National Service should be compulsory.
He also notes that in 1971 he was called up for active service but was exempted on account of his position and work with the Postmaster General.
While Edward did not encounter any racism during his service, he believes earlier Indigenous soldiers probably did.
He also notes the existence of ‘Soldier settlement blocks’ south of Moree that were provided for returning soldiers from earlier conflicts, but doesn’t know of any Indigenous soldiers ever receiving one of these blocks.
Listen to Edward’s interview at the Moree Yarn Up.
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Sources:
https://ourmobserved.anu.edu.au/yarn-ups/yarn-participants/edward-pitt
