Manning Valley National Servicemen's Memorial Plaque, Taree

About

This memorial plaque is located in Fotheringham Park in Taree and is attached to a large rock at the base of a tree. It was installed in 2012. In 1951 compulsory military training for young men was re-introduced by a Liberal Government. Eighteen-year-old men had to take part in 176 days of military training. The National Service involved the army, navy and airforce. In 1959 the scheme was abolished, re-introduced in 1964 and in May 1965 the government took action to send national servicemen overseas. A 'birthday ballot' was introduced and those selected had to serve two years in the regular army and three years part-time in the reserves. From 1965 to 1972, 15,381 national servicemen served in the Vietnam War with 200 killed and 1,279 wounded. The scheme was abolished on 5 December 1972 by the newly elected Labor government (Source: National Service Scheme, the Australian War Memorial (A.W.M.)). The National Servicemen's Association was formed in 1987 and as stated by the A.W.M., it represents the 287,000 young men called up for military service. Many sub-branches were formed throughout the state.

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