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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the National Archives' website and collection contain the names, images and voices of people who have died.

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  5. Chinese-Australian serviceman – attestation form

Chinese-Australian serviceman – attestation form

World War I attestation form of Chinese-Australian Herbert Kong-Meng.

World War I attestation form of Chinese-Australian Herbert Kong-Meng.

Details

Learning resource record

Creator:

Deputy Commissioner for Repatriation, Victoria

Date:

1914

Citation:

B73, R30033

Keywords:

  • military service
  • China
  • soldier

Transcript

[Page header printed in black ink reads 'AUSTRALIAN [coat of arms of Australia] MILITARY FORCES.'. 'AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.', 'COPY OF RECORD.'.]

 

No.[:]21.

Name in full

Surname[:] KONG-MENG,

Christian Name[:] Herbert.

Unit[:] 7th Battalion.

Joined on[:] 1.9.14. At[:] Broadmeadows, Vic. [Victoria.]

[Dividing line.]

[Bold subheading:] Questions to be put to the Person Enlisting Before Attestation.

[The following information is presented in two columns, with questions on the left and typed answers on the right.]

1. What is your name?

1. H. KONG-MENG.

2. In or near what Parish or Town were you born?

2. In the Parish of Melbourne

in or near the Town of Melbourne,

in the Country of Victoria.

3. Are you a Natural-born British Subject or a Naturalized British Subject? (N.B. – if the latter, papers to be shown)

3. Natural born.

4. What is your Age?

4. 38 years.

5. What is your Trade or Calling?

5. Grazier.

6. Are you married?

6. No.

7. Who is your next of kin? (Address and relationship to be stated)

The answer to this question shall not be construed as in the nature of a will.

7. Sidney KONG-MENG

"Karep",

Longwood.

8. Do you now belong to, or have you ever served in, His Majesty's Army, the Marines, the Militia, the Militia Reserve, the Territorial Force, Royal Navy, or Colonial Forces? If so, state which, and if not now serving, state cause of discharge

8. Yes. 16th Light Horse 13 1/2 yrs [years]. Now serving.

9. Have you ever been rejected as unfit for His Majesty's Service? If so, on what grounds?

9. No.

[Dividing line.]

[Bold subheading:] Description of H. KONG-MENG. [name typed] on Enlistment

[Dividing line.]

Age[:] 38 years [blank] months.

Height[:] 5 feet 4 inches.

Weight[:] 9 st. 8 lb.

Chest Measurement[:] 34/35 1/2. inches.

Complexion[:] Dark.

Eyes[:] Brown.

Hair[:] Dark.

Religious Denomination[:] C of Eng. [Church of England]

DISTINCTIVE MARKS.

[Five hyphens to indicate crossing out of field.]

About this record

Chinese-Australian brothers Herbert and George Kong-Meng both attempted to enlist in the First World War but only Herbert was accepted. George received a certificate from the medical officer stating that he was 'not substantially of European origin or descent'.

Related themes

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First World War

From 1914 to 1918, over 324,000 Australians served overseas in the First World War, with two-thirds becoming casualties. Their experiences had long-lasting effects on them, their families and society.

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Migration and multiculturalism

Migration has been central to Australia’s identity, prosperity and security. Explore Australia’s migration history since 1901, including the challenges and cultural contributions of our migrants.

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