“The Answer to Declining Enlistment Numbers”

The cartoon begins with a handwritten prologue from Colonel Cameron stating that Australia should lead the empire by adopting national compulsory service. Above a map of Australia and New Zealand appears the message, “If the call comes every man will take his turn cheerfully”. A signpost announces “To Turkey”. The map then tips on its side and becomes the profile of a smiling digger.

When this cartoon first screened, conscription had not yet been formally proposed (this occurred with a referendum in October 1916). However, the Universal Service League in Sydney and the Australian Native Association in Victoria were already gathering calling for conscription for all eligible Australian men to serve overseas.