Queensland Historian Uncovers Story of WWI Volunteers Who Were Rejected but Still Served
A historian from North West Queensland is ensuring the legacy of men who were turned away from serving in World War I is remembered.
Michael Brumby, based in Charters Towers, has been researching the Rejected Volunteers’ Association (RVA) — a group of men who, despite being declared unfit for service, devoted themselves to supporting returned soldiers.
His research uncovered that in 1915 and 1916, 377 men from Charters Towers were denied enlistment due to various medical issues. These included poor eyesight, short stature, weak chests, and in nearly 80 cases, so-called “testicular disorders”.
Brumby noted that these particular medical rejections were difficult to fully understand but speculated that military recruiters may have been selecting men for the physically demanding Light Horse Brigade.
Respect Rather Than Stigma
Contrary to common wartime experiences, Brumby said he found no evidence that these rejected men were targeted with white feathers — a symbol of cowardice — or were shunned by their communities.
Instead, many came together to support the soldiers who returned home. In 1918, a local RVA branch was formed by more than a dozen of these men, following the association’s 1916 launch in Sydney.
“They saw themselves as supporters of their brothers coming back from war,” Brumby said.
A Symbol of Their Willingness
Wearing an RVA badge was a visible way for these men to express that, while eager to serve, their health disqualified them.
“The badge signified their genuine desire to enlist,” Brumby explained. “But medically, they just couldn’t.”
Bridging the Divide Between Those Who Fought and Those Who Couldn’t
Brumby said the Charters Towers RVA held their meetings at the site that later became the local RSL and played a key role in welcoming home returning servicemen, including organizing fundraising and celebrations.
A historic photo shows RVA members commemorating Anzac Day in 1920 with returned soldiers in Lissner Park — a significant moment believed to be the first joint Anzac Day gathering in Charters Towers.
Brumby reflected on the emotional weight of these interactions.
“To have those two groups — those who fought and those who wanted to but couldn’t — share drinks and stories in the same space really brought home the human experience beyond the battlefield,” he said.
